A court in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region recently delivered sentences for the “35+” case of "conspiracy to subvert the state power" in Hong Kong, which involves Benny Tai Yiu-ting and others. People from all walks of life in Hong Kong widely recognize that the defendants deserve their punishment, and expressed their approval of the sentences handed down. However, the governments of a handful of countries, including the United States, and certain politicians have impatiently come forth to attack the court ruling, wantonly smearing the national security legislation in Hong Kong and the situation of democracy and freedom in the region. They even went so far as to clamor for so-called new "sanction" measures against Hong Kong. Such despicable behavior will undoubtedly be strongly condemned by all Chinese, including the people of Hong Kong, and their efforts will undoubtedly be proved futile and be met with resolute countermeasures.
Falsehoods peddled by the smear campaign
Are the convicts in the case real advocates of democracy? It is widely known that the main culprits in this case, including Tai, are perpetrators of the illegal "Occupy Central" movement, proponents of "Hong Kong independence," and fervent supporters of the so-called "mutual destruction" schemes. They serve as the pawn for external forces in instigating a "color revolution" in Hong Kong. Their promotion of fallacious concepts like "breaking the law in the name of so-called justice" and "mutual destruction" has been the ideological cancer fueling the rampant "Hong Kong independence" activities, the violent riots, and the destruction actions during the violent turbulence of 2019 . They are far from being genuine advocates of democracy. Instead, by deceiving and misleading both the people of Hong Kong and the international community, betraying the nation and wreaking havoc in Hong Kong, and trampling upon the fundamental interests of the Hong Kong people, they are the true destructors of democracy in Hong Kong.
In terms of the nature of this case, can we consider their actions as a pursuit of democracy? The trial has revealed a wealth of factual evidence that clearly demonstrates the so-called "primary election" was nothing but a pretext. In essence, it was an attempt to seize a majority of seats in the Legislative Council, paralyze the functioning of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, and create a constitutional crisis. Its ultimate aim was to undermine, destroy, or overthrow the existing political system and the framework established under the Basic Law and the "one country, two systems" principle. Such behavior is not at all a pursuit of democracy, but an organized, premeditated, and active effort of conspiracy to subvert the State power through illegal means, posing a serious threat to China’s national security. It is precisely an act that undermined the electoral system and the process of democratic development in Hong Kong.
In terms of the trial in this case, how can it be labeled as "political trial"? The judicial authorities of the HKSAR exercise their judicial powers independently in accordance with law. The proceedings were fair and transparent, fully ensuring the legitimate rights of the defendants. Sentencing decisions are strictly based on facts and the law, reflecting the principle of proportionality between crime and punishment, and fully demonstrating the spirit of rule of law and justice. It is absurd that a serious national security plot, with a clear criminal intent and actions, that has been lawfully tried, is being falsely portrayed by governments and politicians of the US and its allies as "democratic activities". Their attempt to distort the legitimate actions of the SAR in lawfully punishing criminals, and to smear the case as undermining freedom and democracy, is utterly ludicrous and groundless.
Double standards on national security issues
When it comes to safeguarding their own national security, the US and a few other countries have adopted an extremely strict approach, often going so far as to abuse the concept with excessive and overly broad-reaching measures, capriciously violating human rights and freedoms. The national security-related laws of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and some European Union countries are convoluted and becoming increasingly stringent, showing no leniency in combating relevant crimes, such as subversion of the state power. Numerous scandals have emerged, revealing their abuse of the national security concept as a pretext to violate human rights and freedoms. Take the US for example, it has more than 20 national security-related laws. The Smith Act passed as early as the 1940s has made it a criminal offense to advocate the violent overthrow of the government or to join any group devoted to such purpose. Also, detailed provisions regarding the crime of sedition and subversive activities are outlined in the US Code Chapter 115. Over 1,200 individuals were arrested and prosecuted in connection with the US Capitol riots in January 2021, with many charged with crimes related to subversion. The heaviest sentence among them is up to 22 years. The UK’s new national security law, implemented last year, has been widely criticized for its vague provisions and broad powers granted to law enforcement. During this year’s anti-immigration protests, British police swiftly arrested more than 1,000 individuals, with courts operating around-the-clock to expedite trials and send protest participants to prison as quickly as possible. Such a reckless approach completely disregards the legitimate rights of those involved.
Governments and politicians in the US and a few other countries ignore their own tough laws on national security and their poor track records in protecting freedom and human rights. Instead, they interfere unjustifiably with the HKSAR’s legitimate and just rulings, such as the convictions of Benny Tai Yiu-ting and his accomplices for conspiracy to subvert State power, revealing their double standards and hypocrisy.
The governments and politicians of the US and a few other countries blatantly have trampled on the principles of the rule of law and tried to shield anti-China subversive forces in Hong Kong, exposing their unchanging malicious intent to destabilize the HKSAR and contain China.
The rule of law in the HKSAR is widely recognized. Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, activities endangering national security have been curbed, social order restored, the spirit of the rule of law upheld, and the business environment optimized. Hong Kong residents’ legitimate rights are better protected in a safer environment. Nevertheless, the governments and politicians of the US and a few other countries are intent on undermining this hard-won progress. They have repeatedly interfered in Hong Kong's judicial affairs, sought to undermine its rule of law, and openly supported anti-China and subversive forces in Hong Kong.
For instance, in the case of Benny Tai Yiu-ting and others who were charged with conspiracy to subvert the State power, foreign officials have exerted undue pressure on the HKSAR’s government and judiciary, issuing statements and reports, dispatching consular officers to attend court hearings, and even demanding the repeal of the NSL and the release of convicted individuals. Following the court’s sentencing, they attacked the rulings under the pretext of “concerns for Hong Kong’s democracy and freedom,” smeared Hong Kong’s rule of law, and even threatened to impose sanctions on Hong Kong officials. Such actions blatantly interfered with Hong Kong’s judicial independence and undermined its legal system.
Such actions have revealed the true intention of the governments and politicians of the US and a few other countries. They are not genuinely concerned about Hong Kong’s democracy and freedom but are instead trying to rescue their proxies to continue their destructive activities in Hong Kong. Their true intention is not to protect Hong Kong residents' welfare but to obstruct Hong Kong’s progress and the successful practice of “one country, two systems” to disrupt the process of China’s national rejuvenation.
Safeguarding national security is a top priority in any country or region. Adhering to the law and holding violators accountable are fundamental principles of the rule of law. The HKSAR court’s judgment in the case of Benny Tai Yiu-ting and others is a necessary and legitimate measure to safeguard national security and uphold the rule of law in Hong Kong. It is beyond reproach.
Hong Kong society fully supports the HKSAR government’s efforts to safeguard national security and the rule of law. Polls show that over 85 percent of respondents believe that the crime of conspiracy to subvert the state power is serious, and more than 86 percent support the court’s ruling. The facts have and will continue to demonstrate that external interference and threats are nothing but noise and empty rhetoric.
The central government firmly supports the HKSAR in fully and accurately implementing the national security legislation in Hong Kong, preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for acts that endanger national security in accordance with the law, resolutely safeguarding the rule of law, and strongly countering any sanctions or threats. It will also fully protect the legitimate rights of HKSAR government officials and judicial personnel.
Hong Kong's judicial independence must not be infringed upon. Any delusions of "destabilizing Hong Kong and containing China" will inevitably be crushed under the wheels of the "Hong Kong" train, as it moves forward in the new era!
(Source: Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council)
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
