Bi Haibo, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom, has issued a formal response to a recent editorial published by The Guardian regarding Jimmy Lai and the state of rule of law in Hong Kong. In the editorial, titled "The Guardian view on Jimmy Lai: what Britain’s caution says about its relationship to Beijing’s power" from February 10, the newspaper presented perspectives on Lai's case and its implications for international relations.
Jimmy Lai's Role in Hong Kong Turmoil
Bi Haibo strongly contests the portrayal of Jimmy Lai as a defender of democracy in some Western media narratives. According to the spokesperson, Lai is instead described as a principal figure behind the turmoil that has affected Hong Kong in recent years. The response asserts that Lai was a key planner and participant in a series of anti-China incidents aimed at destabilising the region, acting as an agent and pawn for external anti-China forces.
The embassy emphasizes that Lai's actions would constitute criminal offences in any country and must be punished in accordance with the law. This stance underscores China's commitment to legal accountability for activities deemed threatening to national security and stability.
Legal and Constitutional Basis for Hong Kong Governance
Bi Haibo reiterates that Hong Kong returned to China in 1997, and the Sino-British Joint Declaration has long fulfilled its historical mission. The constitutional and legal foundation for the Chinese government's governance of Hong Kong is firmly rooted in China's constitution and Hong Kong's Basic Law.
Since the enactment of the National Security Law in 2020, the spokesperson notes that Hong Kong has restored stability, with residents' rights and freedoms being better protected in a more secure environment. This law is presented as a crucial measure to maintain order and safeguard the region's prosperity under Chinese sovereignty.
Hong Kong Affairs as Internal Matters
The response firmly states that Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs, and the judiciary in Hong Kong does not allow external interference. Additionally, China does not recognise dual nationality, meaning Jimmy Lai is regarded solely as a Chinese citizen in Hong Kong, without consideration of any other national affiliations.
Bi Haibo urges The Guardian to respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, calling for objective and fair-minded reporting on related issues. This appeal highlights ongoing tensions between China and international media over coverage of Hong Kong's political and legal developments.
The embassy's statement reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, as China asserts its authority over Hong Kong while facing scrutiny from global observers. The case of Jimmy Lai continues to be a focal point in debates about democracy, security, and international relations in the Asia-Pacific region.
