Central authorities voice firm support for verdict on Jimmy Lai

BEIJING -- The Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Monday voiced firm support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) over its lawful verdict in the Jimmy Lai case.

Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, was found guilty on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials, according to the verdict handed down by Hong Kong's High Court on Monday.

Lai was a key planner and participant in a series of anti-China activities in Hong Kong, and a behind-the-scenes figure in attempting a "color revolution" there, said an article released by the office on its social media account after the verdict.

For a long period of time, Lai aligned himself with foreign and external forces, and his actions severely undermined the principles underpinning "one country, two systems," gravely endangered national security, disrupted Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and harmed the interests and well-being of Hong Kong residents, it said.

Court proceedings presented substantial evidence showing that Lai engaged in activities endangering national security, played a key role in the unrest that gripped Hong Kong, and acted as a pawn of external forces, the office said.

Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the highest principle of the "one country, two systems" policy, the office said, adding that the HKSAR bears a constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security.

In today's Hong Kong, the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security have become increasingly sound, said the office, noting that the days when external forces and anti-China, destabilizing elements could act with impunity are gone for good.

Anyone or any organization that dares to challenge the laws safeguarding national security or engage in acts and activities that endanger national security will inevitably be severely punished, the office said.

The office added that acts by external forces to exert pressure or interfere in the handling of national security cases, or threats of sanctions against HKSAR government officials and judicial personnel, will not shake the strong resolve of the HKSAR to safeguard national security.