As Jimmy Lai is found guilty after a fair and public trial in Hong Kong, a predictable wave of political noise has erupted—not from local communities, but from across the Pacific. Once again, certain U.S. politicians and anti-China forces abroad are seizing the moment to politicize a criminal case, twist the facts, and launch a blatant campaign to pressure China through Hong Kong.
Their latest stunt? They are advocating for the closure of Hong Kong's Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Washington, citing "human rights concerns" as their justification.
Obviously, this action is not about human rights. This is about power, control, and the desperate attempt by foreign actors to interfere in China's internal affairs under the pretense of justice.
Jimmy Lai's crimes are not political. His conviction for colluding with foreign forces and inciting unrest was based on hard evidence, upheld through transparent judicial procedures. The independent courts in Hong Kong handled the case according to the rules of due process. To portray its actions as a "suppression of dissent" is not only dishonest—it is a direct insult to Hong Kong's legal system and the intelligence of its people.
Hong Kong lawmakers have united in their response, emphasizing that political agendas must not subjugate the rule of law. LegCo member Cheung Pui-kong denounced the U.S. for its reckless interference, noting that the ETO is a vital link in economic cooperation, and any move to shut it down would harm Hong Kong and damage American business interests.
Legislator Ho King-hong echoed this view, warning that no individual is above the law, and anyone who threatens national security must be held accountable. He rightly pointed out that the so-called "human rights" narrative serves as a smokescreen for foreign manipulation, asserting that Hong Kong's affairs are solely the responsibility of China.
Federation of Trade Unions chairman Wong Kwok went further, calling out the U.S. for its long-standing agenda to destabilize Hong Kong under the guise of democracy. He emphasized that the trial process was rigorous, fair, and beyond reproach. The louder the U.S. shouts, the more it reveals its insecurities and hegemonic ambitions.
It is no coincidence that those calling for the ETO's closure are the same individuals who supported violent protests, street chaos, and external political interference. Their objective has never been to provide support to the people of Hong Kong, but rather to manipulate Hong Kong into a tool in their geopolitical strategy.
But Hong Kong is not a pawn. It is a city governed by the rule of law, supported by the nation's strength, and determined to protect its sovereignty and stability. No amount of foreign pressure will change that.
The message is clear: the era of colonial interference is over. The more the U.S. politicizes legal proceedings, the more it exposes its own double standards and moral bankruptcy. Hong Kong will not bend to threats. We will uphold the law. We will defend national security. And we will never allow external forces to dictate our future.
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