Photo taken on July 14, 2020 shows the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, July 14, 2020. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

The central government on Sunday strongly rejected the UK government’s unfounded remarks on a national security case involving Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, stressing that the special administrative region’s rule of law must not be trampled upon.

The UK government’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office earlier claimed that the prosecution of Lai and others by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is an attempt to silence criticism under the pretext of national security.

Lai, 76, is facing charges of conspiracy to collaborate with foreign forces to endanger national security. The trial is scheduled to begin at the High Court on December 18 and last for 80 days.

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Responding to the UK government's remarks, a spokesperson from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UK stated that these comments demonstrate a misunderstanding of the situation and disrupt the proper application of the law in Hong Kong

A spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR emphasized that Hong Kong is governed by the rule of law, where no one is above the law. The spokesperson stated that the judicial institutions in the HKSAR strictly adhere to the principles of the rule of law, ensuring that the law is followed, law enforcement is strict, and violations are prosecuted. There is no room for interference.

Lai and others have colluded with external forces to jeopardize national security, deliberately undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and the fundamental interests and well-being of the people of Hong Kong, it is alleged. The acts have caused great threat to implementation of "one country, two systems" and the long-lasting peace of Hong Kong.

Certain countries claimed to be championing the principles of the rule of law and judicial independence, but actually glorify the masterminds behind the so-called “color revolution” in Hong Kong. Such blatant intervention in the judicial affairs of the HKSAR exposes their hypocritical double standards, the spokesman said.

The spokesperson called on the relevant countries to respect the facts, correct their positions, genuinely respect the spirit of the rule of law, and immediately cease any form of interference in Hong Kong affairs and the nation's internal affairs.

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Responding to the UK government's remarks, a spokesperson from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UK stated that these comments demonstrate a misunderstanding of the situation and disrupt the proper application of the law in Hong Kong.

The spokesperson emphasized that Hong Kong operates under the rule of law, and any unlawful or criminal behavior should be subject to legal consequences. No one, regardless of their status or background, is exempt from the law.

Furthermore, the spokesperson asserted that HKSAR affairs are solely China's internal matters, and no foreign country possesses the authority to interfere.