In a firm statement on Monday, December 15, 2025, China's Ambassador to the UK, Zheng Zeguang, lodged solemn representations with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office over comments by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on the conviction of media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai under the National Security Law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Ambassador Zheng described Cooper’s remarks as irresponsible, accusing the UK of smearing the National Security Law and constituting gross interference in China’s internal affairs. He warned that such statements trample on the spirit of the rule of law and violate basic norms of international relations.
Lai was found guilty on the same day by the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on two counts of conspiring to collude with external forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The verdict follows allegations that Lai was a key planner and participant in anti-China riots in the city.
According to a read-out by the Chinese Embassy in the UK, the British side had claimed Lai was "peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression." Ambassador Zheng rejected this characterization, saying it distorted the facts and exposed London’s intent to destabilize Hong Kong.
This diplomatic exchange highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding governance in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the challenges faced by international observers, investors, and travellers as they navigate the region’s evolving legal landscape.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
