STORY: :: China says Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai 'deserved to be severely punished in accordance with the law'
:: Beijing, China/February 9, 2026
:: Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
"First of all, I would point out that Jimmy Lai is a Chinese citizen. Jimmy Lai is a principal planner and participant in a series of anti-China activities that have sought to destabilize Hong Kong. His actions have seriously challenged the fundamental principles of 'One Country, Two Systems,' gravely endangered national security, and severely harmed Hong Kong's prosperity, stability, and the well-being of its residents, and therefore he deserved to be severely punished in accordance with the law."
:: Lai was sentenced to 20 years in jail on conspiracy and sedition charges, all of which he denies
"The judicial cases concerned are purely internal affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. We urge the relevant countries to respect China's sovereignty and respect the rule of law in Hong Kong, refrain from making irresponsible remarks about the adjudication of judicial cases in the SAR, and not interfere in Hong Kong's judiciary or meddle in China's internal affairs in any form."
Lai, Hong Kong's most vocal China critic and media tycoon, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in jail, ending the city's biggest national security case which drew international concern about Beijing's clampdown on the city's freedoms and autonomy.
Lai's sentence on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one for publishing seditious materials ends a legal saga that has spanned nearly five years.
The 78-year-old, a British citizen, has denied all the charges against him, saying in court he is a "political prisoner" facing persecution from Beijing.
