BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The 20-year prison sentence handed down to Jimmy Lai by the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) upholds the rule of law and demonstrates that justice prevails, according to an article posted on the social media account of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Jimmy Lai Chee-ying steps into the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 9, 2021. (File photo: Xinhua)

Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, was found guilty in December by the High Court on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials.

The sentence is a solemn and forceful declaration that anyone who dares to challenge the laws concerning national security shall face severe punishment, the article said.

"National security is of utmost importance, and the crimes committed by Lai are considered serious offenses anywhere in the world," it added.

The court, based on facts and the law, convicted Lai and determined that he was the mastermind behind the offenses. In light of the gravity of his crimes, an appropriate sentence was imposed in accordance with the law, which is an essential requirement of upholding the rule of law, according to the article.

Moreover, people have realized that Jimmy Lai has never been the so-called "fighter for freedom, democracy and human rights," but rather the chief culprit and a traitor to the nation who has harmed the country's fundamental interests and the well-being of Hong Kong residents.

Lai's sentencing has once again proved that justice may be late, but it will come in the end, the article said.

"We firmly support the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security and in fully and faithfully implementing laws on safeguarding national security," it said.

All acts and activities that endanger national security will be severely dealt with, all attempts to obstruct the HKSAR in safeguarding national security are bound to fail, and all schemes to disrupt Hong Kong's transition from stability to prosperity and to contain China by creating chaos in Hong Kong will be defeated, the article said.