BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes some countries and institutions using judicial cases as a pretext to maliciously smear Hong Kong, defame its rule of law, and interfere in China's internal affairs, a foreign ministry spokesperson said here Tuesday.

Photo taken on Dec 28, 2020 shows China's national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong special administrative region on the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, China. (Photo: Xinhua)

China has lodged stern representations with the relevant countries and institutions, spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular news briefing after the United States, Britain, Australia, and the European Union issued statements on the Jimmy Lai case.

The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday sentenced Jimmy Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, to 20 years in prison.

Noting that Lai's crimes endangering national security are clear and the evidence is conclusive, Lin said the judicial authorities of the HKSAR make rulings based on facts and laws, which are lawful, just and beyond reproach.

Hong Kong upholds the rule of law and no one can engage in illegal and criminal activities under the pretext of "democracy" and "freedom" while attempting to evade legal punishment, Lin said.

The spokesperson emphasized that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, the rule of law in Hong Kong brooks no challenge, and no foreign country has the right to make irresponsible remarks.

The Chinese government remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as to implement the "one country, two systems" policy, he said, adding that all attempts to undermine Hong Kong's progress from governance to prosperity, or to contain China by destabilizing Hong Kong, will never succeed.

"We urge relevant parties to respect China's sovereignty, adhere to the principles of international law and the basic norms of international relations, and immediately stop any interference in Hong Kong affairs or the internal affairs of China by any means," Lin said.