Australian Foreign Minister issues incorrect statement regarding the case involving Jimmy Lai, Chinese Embassy has lodged a strong protest.

The spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Australia answers questions from reporters on the erroneous statement made by the Australian side regarding the case of Jimmy Lai. Question: On February 9th, the Australian Foreign Minister made a statement expressing concern about the sentencing of Jimmy Lai by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region court. What is China's response to this? The Australian statement discredits the rule of law in Hong Kong and interferes in China's internal affairs. China firmly opposes this, and has lodged stern representations with the Australian side. Jimmy Lai is a key planner and participant in a series of anti-China and chaotic events in Hong Kong. Not only has he openly solicited external forces to intervene, but he has also supported and funded organizations to conduct international lobbying seeking sanctions against China and Hong Kong, as well as manipulated media tools to incite citizens to engage in illegal protests and violence. The facts of his endangering national security crimes are clear and the evidence is irrefutable. Hong Kong is a society ruled by law, and the SAR judicial authorities have made their rulings based on facts and laws, which are legitimate and cannot be interfered with. No one can engage in illegal activities under the guise of "democracy" and "freedom" and attempt to evade legal sanctions. The National Security Law in Hong Kong fully respects and protects human rights, effectively protects the well-being of Hong Kong citizens and the interests of investors from various countries, and contributes to the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The better the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, the more stable and secure the Hong Kong society will be, and the more the rights and freedoms of the residents of Hong Kong will be safeguarded. Jimmy Lai is a Chinese citizen, and the relevant judicial case is purely China's internal affairs, and no foreign country has the right to interfere. The Chinese government's determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests as well as its unwavering commitment to the policy of "one country, two systems" remains firm. China urges Australia to respect Chinese sovereignty, respect the rule of law in Hong Kong, and not interfere in Hong Kong's judiciary or China's internal affairs in any form.