Bi Haibo, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the UK, has issued a strong response to The Guardian’s editorial on Jimmy Lai, asserting that Lai is by no means a “defender of democracy” but rather a central figure in destabilizing Hong Kong. The embassy spokesperson labeled Lai a “key planner and participant in a series of anti-China incidents” and an “agent and pawn of external anti-China forces.” According to the statement, Lai’s actions would constitute criminal offenses in any nation and demand punishment in line with the law, directly challenging Western media narratives surrounding the pro-democracy figure. This direct rebuttal underscores China’s firm stance on the ongoing legal proceedings against Lai.
The statement further clarifies China’s position on Hong Kong’s constitutional status, emphasizing that the Sino-British Joint Declaration has completed its historical mission following the 1997 handover. The legal framework for China’s governance over Hong Kong, the embassy asserts, is rooted in China’s constitution and Hong Kong’s Basic Law. Since the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020, Bi Haibo claims, Hong Kong has experienced a restoration of stability, which in turn has led to better protection of residents’ rights and freedoms within a more secure environment. This highlights Beijing’s view of the National Security Law as a stabilizing force.
Regarding the legal process, the Chinese embassy firmly stated that Hong Kong affairs are internal matters for China, and its judiciary operates without external interference. The spokesperson also addressed the issue of nationality, reiterating that China does not recognize dual nationality. Consequently, Jimmy Lai is regarded solely as a Chinese citizen in Hong Kong, challenging any claims of foreign diplomatic protection. This point underscores Beijing’s insistence on its sovereignty and the integrity of Hong Kong’s legal system against perceived outside pressures.
Concluding the letter, the Chinese embassy urged The Guardian to respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong. It called for the publication to report on related issues in an objective and fair-minded manner, reflecting a desire for international media to align with Beijing’s narrative on Hong Kong and the high-profile case of Jimmy Lai. This plea for objectivity signals China’s sensitivity to international scrutiny and its efforts to shape global perceptions of its governance in Hong Kong.
