Hong Kong Condemns UK Over Rule of Law Interference

Hong Kong Government Denounces UK Interference Amidst National Security Report

Hong Kong’s government has issued a sharp rebuke to the United Kingdom, accusing London of unwarranted interference in the city’s internal affairs. The strong condemnation follows the UK’s release of its latest six-monthly report on the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which expressed concerns over the erosion of human rights and political autonomy in Hong Kong.

The dispute centres on the UK’s continued focus on the case of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, the jailed former media mogul. The British government has pledged to “use every opportunity” to advocate for Lai’s release, a stance that Hong Kong authorities deem a direct challenge to their judicial independence and sovereignty.

In a statement released early Friday, a Hong Kong government spokesman labelled the UK’s comments as “misleading and irresponsible.” The statement urged the UK to “discern facts from fallacies” and to cease its interference in matters that are considered purely internal to China.

UK Report Highlights Concerns Over Autonomy and Freedoms

The UK’s biannual report, covering the period from July to December of the previous year, detailed developments that it believes are “undermining” Hong Kong’s political autonomy and pluralism. The report specifically pointed to the expanding scope and practice of the national security law imposed by Beijing.

A key focus of the report was the conviction and subsequent 20-year jail sentence handed down to Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. The UK report described Lai’s trial and sentencing as a “politically motivated prosecution.” Furthermore, the report highlighted the Hong Kong authorities’ issuance of bounties targeting pro-democracy activists residing overseas.

Yvette Cooper, the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, confirmed that London had expanded its British National (Overseas) immigration pathway following Lai’s sentencing. This measure, she stated, was intended to “reaffirm” the UK’s commitment to the people of Hong Kong. Cooper also revealed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had directly raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping in January.

“We will continue to use every opportunity to press China to release Mr Lai,” Cooper stated. She emphasised that these actions are part of a broader, consistent, and strategic approach to managing the UK’s relationship with China.

Cooper further underscored Hong Kong’s continued significance to Britain, pledging support for British businesses operating in the city and strengthening cooperation with Hong Kong authorities on security matters, including combating serious organised crime.

“And we will be unwavering in our support for the rights, freedoms and autonomy China guaranteed to Hong Kong under the legally binding joint declaration and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” Cooper wrote. She concluded that this approach remains the most effective way to maintain a stable and thriving Hong Kong, serving the interests of its people, the UK, and China.

Hong Kong Rejects UK’s Right to Interfere

Hong Kong authorities have consistently maintained that the Sino-British Joint Declaration does not grant the UK any right to interfere in the city’s affairs following its return to Chinese sovereignty.

The government spokesman asserted that Jimmy Lai received an open and fair trial, with 156 days of public hearings. He cited the judges’ findings that Lai was not tried based on his political beliefs and noted that Lai himself had chosen not to appeal his sentence.

“Both the conviction verdict and sentence are well-founded and reasoned; there is absolutely no question of ‘political prosecution’,” the spokesman declared.

Lai was sentenced in February after being convicted on charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to print and distribute seditious articles. A panel of three judges had described him as the “mastermind” behind these offences.

Regarding the bounties placed on activists living abroad, the spokesman stated that the extraterritorial reach of Hong Kong’s national security legislation aligns with international legal practices observed in other jurisdictions. He pointed out that the UK itself has implemented measures to prevent the abscondment of wanted criminals, and that Hong Kong’s law enforcement agencies are obligated to pursue individuals who threaten national security.