Beijing slams US, UK, Australia and EU over Jimmy Lai sentencing remarks
A major diplomatic clash erupts over Hong Kong's toughest national security sentencing yet.
Deep Dive
China's foreign ministry office in Hong Kong summoned representatives from the US, UK, Australia, and the EU to voice "strong dissatisfaction" over their criticism of Jimmy Lai's sentencing. The 78-year-old former media boss was given 20 years in prison for national security crimes, the harshest penalty under Hong Kong's security law. Six former Apple Daily executives also received sentences ranging from nearly 7 to 10 years.
Why It Matters
This intensifies geopolitical tensions and signals Beijing's zero-tolerance stance on foreign commentary about its legal system.