By Dong Qizhen
The concept of "Spring and Autumn Brushwork" (春秋笔法) refers to a selective narrative technique—highlighting favorable aspects while conveniently omitting inconvenient truths, ultimately distorting reality. Ironically, this ancient rhetorical strategy from the East has been mastered by certain modern Western media, turning it into a powerful tool for maintaining discursive dominance and exporting ideological bias.
A recent article titled "How China Mistreats Jimmy Lai" is a prime example of this practice. With its sensationalist headline, the article paints a grim and exaggerated picture of "solitary confinement," "inhumane treatment," and "judicial delays," while portraying Lai Chee-ying as a "gentle dissident." Such storytelling reduces a complex legal case into an oversimplified, symbolic narrative designed to fit preconceived political agendas. The purpose here is not to uncover the truth but to reinforce a particular political ideology.
Yet the undeniable facts and logic behind Lai's case are more than sufficient to dismantle this carefully crafted narrative.
On Detention Conditions
The claim of "solitary confinement" is, in reality, a voluntary arrangement requested by Lai himself for personal reasons—this is a matter of public record. Allegations of "inhumane treatment" are similarly baseless. During his detention, Lai has received full medical care and professional health monitoring, as confirmed in court by his own defense lawyer.
It is essential to grasp a key principle: the essence of modern criminal justice lies in safeguarding the basic human rights and dignity of detainees—not in replicating their former lifestyles at public expense. Lai's prior "privileges" were rooted in activities that undermined national security and Hong Kong's collective interests—actions that were illegal by any measure. The purpose of the law is to ensure just punishment and meaningful rehabilitation, not to sustain a "comfort zone" funded by the proceeds of criminal activity.
On the Label of "Moderate Dissident"
Perhaps the most insidious aspect of this narrative is the rebranding of Lai as a "moderate." From a legal and societal perspective, his actions are anything but moderate. The media platform under Lai's control systematically incited social division, glorified violence, and openly campaigned for foreign sanctions against China and Hong Kong. These actions caused deep and lasting harm to Hong Kong's social stability and legal foundations.
The fact that Lai did not personally engage in street violence does not diminish his culpability—in fact, it underscores the greater threat posed by his actions. Operating from behind the scenes, Lai weaponized his media platform to incite others to take risks and bear the consequences, all while he remained in the shadows, shielded from accountability. This is not 'moderation'; instead, it is calculated cowardice wrapped in polished hypocrisy.
Even in Western legal systems, similar acts of incitement to violence and the undermining of social order would result in severe legal consequences. Why, then, should Hong Kong be held to a different standard? The hypocrisy of such double standards is impossible to ignore.
The Weaponization of Narratives: A Case of "Selective Justice"
The actions of certain Western media are neither innocent mistakes nor mere professional lapses—they are deliberate, calculated efforts to promote "selective justice", deeply rooted in ideological bias. These outlets routinely label judicial actions in non-Western countries or regions as "political persecution", while conveniently overlooking harsher enforcement within their own borders or those of their allies. By cherry-picking isolated details, they construct sweeping negative narratives, willfully ignoring the broader context, legal processes, societal interests, and even basic, indisputable facts.
A closer look reveals that their concern was never truly about Lai Chee-ying's rights. Instead, his case has been weaponized as a tool in a larger geopolitical strategy—a calculated attempt to undermine Hong Kong's stability and China's sovereignty, all under the guise of moral righteousness.
(The author is a Hong Kong solicitor and vice-president of the Legal Profession Advancement Association.)
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
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