Commentary: Jimmy Lai verdict, sentence uphold justice in Hong Kong

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The verdict in the Jimmy Lai case affirms justice and serves as a stern warning that anyone who endangers national security and sabotages the stability of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will face severe punishment by law.

The High Court of the HKSAR on Monday sentenced Lai to 20 years in prison, after considering his "serious and grave criminal conduct." Lai was found guilty on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The court found that Lai was "the mastermind and driving force behind these conspiracies."

This verdict makes it clear that any act of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security will inevitably be exposed in the face of irrefutable evidence, and that anyone who betrays the interests of the nation and Hong Kong will ultimately face severe punishment and pay the due price.

Disguised as a media man while acting as an agent for external anti-China forces, Lai was the principal mastermind and perpetrator of a series of riots that shook Hong Kong and undermined the fundamental interests of both the country and the HKSAR.

The reality of Lai's crimes is clear, backed by conclusive evidence. The traitor has received the penalty he deserves. The verdict underscores the rule of law in Hong Kong.

In Hong Kong today, the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security have become increasingly robust. The days when external forces and anti-China destabilizing elements could act with impunity are obviously over.

Lai's case shows that schemes of anti-China elements aimed at destabilizing Hong Kong will not succeed. Any attempts by external forces to interfere in Hong Kong affairs or China's internal matters will be in vain. Relentless efforts will continue to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, ensuring long-term stability and prosperity in Hong Kong and the steady, sustained implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy.