China's Foreign Ministry doubled down on Hong Kong's judicial independence Monday amid global chatter about media figure Jimmy Lai's case. Spokesperson Lin Jian called it "purely an internal affair" of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, urging foreign governments to "refrain from irresponsible remarks."
"Hong Kong has a robust legal framework under 'one country, two systems,'" Lin stated on February 10, 2026, emphasizing that external parties should respect the region's autonomy. The comments come as international observers closely watch developments in the high-profile case.
While Lin didn't name specific countries, the statement follows recent diplomatic exchanges about Hong Kong's rule of law. Lai's proceedings have become a lightning rod for discussions about press freedom and governance – topics that resonate deeply with young activists and policymakers worldwide.
