Ambassador Zheng Zeguang lodges solemn representations over UK's 'interference' in Hong Kong judicial affairs

Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang lodges solemn representations over the UK's interference in Hong Kong's judicial affairs in the Jimmy Lai case, urging the UK to abandon its colonial mindset and stop meddling in China's internal affairs.

Zheng met with a senior official of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to lodge the representation after the release of a statement by the UK foreign secretary over the Jimmy Lai case.

Lai 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 the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Monday.

China firmly opposes the irresponsible remarks over Lai's conviction, which "tramples on the spirit of the rule of law, and seriously violates the basic norms governing international relations," said the ambassador.

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Lai's conduct seriously challenged the bottom line of One Country, Two Systems, gravely endangered national security, and severely undermined Hong Kong's prosperity, stability, and the well-being of its citizens, he added.

The ambassador said safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is the paramount principle of the One Country, Two Systems policy. The National Security Law for Hong Kong is the cornerstone for safeguarding national security. 

He said Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law, and the high court's handling of the Jimmy Lai's case is in strict accordance with the law and is not open to question.

"The UK's colonial rule over Hong Kong ended long ago, and the UK is in no position and has no right to point fingers at or interfere in Hong Kong affairs," said Zheng. He emphasized that any attempt by the UK to interfere in Hong Kong's judicial affairs will "only provoke society-wide indignation in Hong Kong, and will get nowhere."