On February 11, 2026, Commissioner Cui Jianchun published an op-ed in the South China Morning Post titled “Jimmy Lai case shows the world HK’s commitment to rule of law”. The full text is as follows:

On February 9, the rule of law and justice scored another victory in Hong Kong when a local court sentenced Jimmy Lai Chee-ying to 20 years in prison for violating the national security law. This sends a clear and resounding message to the world that Hong Kong is a society rigorously governed by law, and any lawbreakers will be brought to justice.

Lai reaped what he sowed. The evidence of his crimes is irrefutable. He relentlessly pushed for so-called international lobbying, went to great lengths to meet US politicians to plead for foreign sanctions against China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. He even continued his anti-China activities after the Hong Kong national security law had come into effect.

He had not the least qualms about being called a traitor for openly declaring that he was fighting for the United States and inviting the US and other foreign forces to interfere in Hong Kong affairs. These were not isolated incidents but a true reflection of his numerous crimes endangering Hong Kong.

National security must not be violated, and the sentencing of Lai is a welcome decision.

Lai’s trial has fully demonstrated the independence and fairness of Hong Kong’s judiciary. Since the trial began, the court examined 2,220 pieces of evidence, reviewed more than 80,000 pages of documents, heard testimonies from 14 prosecution witnesses and saw Lai himself testify for 52 days.

Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison for national security crimes

All along, the trial has been closely observed not only by Hong Kong people and the media but also by a number of foreign consular officials based in Hong Kong. The whole trial process remained free from any external pressure, was procedurally fair, factually clear and based on hard evidence. The verdict, delivered in strict accordance with the law, underscores the professionalism, transparency and impartiality of Hong Kong’s legal system.

However, certain Western politicians have consistently disregarded the facts and the law, resorting to any means to mislead the public and interfere with this case. They have tried everything: calling the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s lawful prosecution a “political trial”, threatening Hong Kong judicial officials with so-called sanctions, shielding Lai under the guise of being a journalist or democracy advocate and even exploiting his health to stir up sympathy. The playbook is all too familiar.

Let me be clear: no amount of staged pity or manufactured glory can cover up Lai’s crimes. No smear campaign or coercive sanction will weaken Hong Kong’s resolve to defend the rule of law. Justice will ultimately prevail through the law.

The Chinese central government firmly supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in punishing criminals in accordance with the law and resolutely safeguards national security. I urge certain Western politicians to respect the facts and the law, as well as to view the sentencing objectively and fairly.

Under the guidance of the “one country, two systems” principle and the spirit of the rule of law, I am confident that Hong Kong is poised to sustain its long-term prosperity and stability. The city will continue to contribute significantly to the development of both the country and the world.