By Bronco BUT
On 9 February 2026, the Court of First Instance of the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delivered its sentence in the case of Jimmy Lai for offences under the Hong Kong National Security Law. This act of justice—like a sharp sword unsheathed—severed the insidious hand of anti-China forces long seeking to destabilise Hong Kong.
Lai Chee-ying, founder of Next Digital, along with associated companies, was convicted of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. He was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment, with his accomplices receiving commensurate punishment. This was not merely the lawful adjudication of individual crimes; it was a powerful deterrent to all acts endangering national security.
The following day, on 10 February 2026, the State Council Information Office released the White Paper "'One Country, Two Systems' and the Practice of Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong". The Jimmy Lai case stands as a vivid illustration of Hong Kong's unwavering efforts and notable achievements in protecting national security, injecting strong momentum into the sustained and successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems".
Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the struggle to safeguard national security has never ceased. History attests that Hong Kong has repeatedly faced severe internal and external challenges. Particularly during the "black violence" riots in 2019, anti-China elements, in collusion with foreign forces, attempted to paralyse the HKSAR Government and subvert state power—gravely threatening China's sovereignty, security, and development interests. The Central Government acted decisively by enacting and implementing the Hong Kong National Security Law and advancing the improvement of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, thereby erecting a robust security bulwark for HKSAR.
Jimmy Lai, a principal instigator of unrest, long exploited media platforms to disseminate seditious content and openly called for foreign intervention. The evidence against him is irrefutable. His case is a microcosm of HKSAR's protracted battle to defend national security. The white paper systematically consolidates HKSAR's experience in this domain, underscoring the shared responsibility of the Central and HKSAR authorities and the transformation from chaos to governance achieved under the protection of the national security legal framework. The sentencing in the Lai case marks a pivotal milestone in this journey, demonstrating both the authority of the rule of law and the inviolable bottom line of national security.
The trial and sentencing of Jimmy Lai are closely aligned with the five key dimensions elaborated in the white paper, profoundly illuminating the significance of safeguarding national security under "One Country, Two Systems". The trial spanned over one hundred days, marked by extensive evidence and stringent legal procedure. The defendants' rights were fully protected, and the convictions were handed down on the basis of incontrovertible evidence—a testament to the independence of Hong Kong's judiciary. From the perspective of the White Paper, the case may be interpreted as follows:
1. The struggle to safeguard national security in HKSAR has never ceased
The Lai case underscores the enduring necessity of this struggle. As a principal financier and ringleader of anti-China, destabilising forces, Lai colluded for years with foreign entities, using the pretext of "press freedom" to publish seditious content through Apple Daily, spreading misinformation, inciting hatred, and seeking to ignite social turmoil. Such conduct is directly linked to the chaos of 2019. The severe sentencing imposed on Lai and his accomplices not only punishes specific crimes but also serves as an unequivocal warning to all Hong Kong residents: vigilance must be steadfast and unyielding if prosperity and stability are to be preserved.
2. The Central Government bears the ultimate responsibility for safeguarding national security
This case fully manifests the Central Government's fundamental accountability. By enacting the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Central Government has provided the HKSAR with powerful legislative backing, affirming that national security affairs will not accommodate external interference. Lai openly called for foreign sanctions against China and intervention in HKSAR affairs, flagrantly challenging the Central Government's authority. His sentencing is an extension of that fundamental responsibility, resolutely executed through the HKSAR's judicial system, thereby reinforcing the national security defence line and blocking foreign infiltration.
3. The HKSAR conscientiously fulfils its constitutional duty to safeguard national security
In handling the Lai case, the HKSAR Government has faithfully discharged its constitutional obligations. The independent judiciary tried the case strictly in accordance with the National Security Law, reflecting both the high degree of autonomy under "One Country, Two Systems" and an unwavering commitment to national security. Lai and his media empire laid bare the plot by certain forces to turn Hong Kong into a bridgehead for subversion. The HKSAR's decisive action not only punished offenders but also strengthened coordination among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, ensuring that constitutional duties are effectively fulfilled and contributing Hong Kong's strength to the overarching national security framework.
4. Under the protection of the national security legal system, HKSAR Has progressed from chaos to governance and is now advancing from stability to prosperity
The Lai case exemplifies the HKSAR's determination to uphold stability and pursue development under the shield of national security legislation. The transition from chaos to governance was made possible by the implementation of the National Security Law, which swiftly quelled past turbulence. Today, the onward march towards prosperity is reinforced by this verdict. Lai's destabilising activities once damaged the economy and divided society, but the firm application of the law has enabled the HKSAR to emerge from that shadow, refocus on development, attract global investments, promote economic diversification, and improve people's livelihoods.
5. High-level security is essential to escorting the high-quality development of "one country, two systems"
This case vividly illustrates the practical requirements of high-level security: risk prevention, rigorous law enforcement, and public education. Lai's collusive conduct reminds us of the need to prioritise prevention while coupling it with resolute punishment, and to strengthen national security awareness so that citizens internalise a strong sense of the overall big picture. The sentencing not only deters potential offenders but also facilitates Hong Kong's deeper integration into the national development, safeguarding the high-quality advancement of "One Country, Two Systems." The guiding principle is to remain vigilant in times of peace, build social consensus, and jointly construct an impregnable security barrier.
The impact of the Jimmy Lai case is both profound and far-reaching. It is not merely the punishment of an individual; it constitutes robust support for the practice of "One Country, Two Systems," enabling HKSAR to turn crises into opportunities amid complex geopolitical currents.
Firstly, it delivers a strong deterrent to destabilising elements and upholds the principle that punishment must be commensurate with the crime and law offenders must be held accountable. Lai's media outlets degenerated into political instruments, flooding society with misinformation and violating professional ethics; the verdict thoroughly rectifies this malpractice and rebuts Western slander against HKSAR's judiciary.
Secondly, it contributes to stabilising the business environment. As an international financial centre, the HKSAR's strengthened national security enhances investors' confidence. The business and legal communities have voiced support, recognising that this safeguards public interests and injects new vitality into the economy.
Finally, it embodies the holistic concept of national security, exposing the evil intentions of external forces and reminding Hong Kong people to unite in defending the "Pearl of the Orient."
High-level security escorts development, enabling all sectors of HKSAR society to unite and usher in a new era of prosperity that follows stability. People are the cornerstone and foundation of the state; when the cornerstone and foundation are solid, the state is at peace. Hong Kong people should take this case as a lesson, join hands, and safeguard the enduring prosperity of our home.
The author is the Vice President and Legal Advisor of the Hong Kong Hubei Federation of Association.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
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