Bi Haibo, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the UK, has written to The Guardian responding to its editorial on Jimmy Lai and Hong Kong. He disputed the portrayal of Lai as a 'defender of democracy', calling him instead a key figure behind turmoil in the city and an agent of external anti-China forces.
Mr Bi argued that the constitutional basis for governing Hong Kong lies in China's constitution and the Basic Law, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which he said had fulfilled its historical mission. He added that since the National Security Law was enacted in 2020, Hong Kong has restored stability and residents' rights are better protected.
The spokesperson also stressed that Hong Kong affairs are China's internal matters and its judiciary does not accept external interference. He noted that China does not recognise dual nationality and that Jimmy Lai is regarded solely as a Chinese citizen. Mr Bi urged the Guardian to respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong.
