On Monday, December 15, 2025, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to what he described as blatant slander and smear campaigns by certain countries and regions against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's judiciary.
Asked about the High Court's recent verdict in the Jimmy Lai case, Guo rejected claims from Britain and other countries that judicial and press freedoms in Hong Kong have been undermined. "These allegations seriously distort the facts and maliciously attack Hong Kong's independent judiciary," he said.
The spat comes as Hong Kong's legal autonomy remains under international scrutiny. Business leaders, entrepreneurs and digital nomads alike watch closely how the region balances rule of law with political oversight. For thought leaders and changemakers, the debate touches on broader questions of governance and human rights in global cities.
While Britain and its allies argue that recent rulings set worrying precedents, the Chinese mainland maintains that Hong Kong's legal system operates under the Basic Law, guaranteeing fairness and transparency. The contrasting viewpoints underscore the ongoing dialogue between international observers and the Chinese mainland over the future of one of Asia's key financial hubs.
With the world increasingly interconnected, developments in Hong Kong's judiciary not only influence markets but also shape conversations on press freedom, rule of law and the role of emerging markets in the digital age.
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China deplores slander against HK judiciary after Jimmy Lai's verdict
cgtn.com
