China opposes joint statement criticizing HKSAR court's Wong Chi-fung sentencing decision : Chinese Embassy in Canada spokesperson

China strongly opposed a joint statement issued by Canada and several other countries criticizing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) court's sentencing decision in the Wong Chi-fung case, accusing them of interfering in Hong Kong's judicial affairs and China's internal affairs, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Canada said on Sunday.

The foreign ministries of Canada, the US, the UK, Australia and other countries issued a joint statement on Friday regarding the sentencing of Wong. In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Canada said that Canada had joined certain other countries in issuing the so-called joint statement to criticize the Hong Kong court's sentencing decision in the case, openly interfering in Hong Kong's judicial affairs and China's internal affairs.

Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, where compliance with the law and accountability for violations are fundamental principles, the spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, Wong had long been involved in conspiring with and colluding with foreign or external forces to endanger national security. He continued these activities even after the implementation of the National Security Law. Wong’s actions seriously undermined China's sovereignty and dignity, threatened the vital interests of the Hong Kong people and jeopardized the city's long-term stability and security. Faced with overwhelming facts and evidence, Wong had no grounds to deny his wrongdoing and chose to plead guilty.

The Hong Kong court's trial and sentencing decision were lawful and fair, and should not be challenged, the spokesperson said.

On Saturday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in France said that China firmly opposed the joint statement issued on Friday by the foreign ministers of 10 countries and published on the French Foreign Ministry's website, and had lodged solemn representations with the French side. The spokesperson said the statement commented on Wong’s case and interfered in the judicial affairs of the HKSAR.

According to the spokesperson, Wong was convicted of "conspiring to collude with foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security" with the evidence against him conclusive and the sentence commensurate with the seriousness of the crime. Wong pleaded guilty to the charges.

Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, and relevant cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. The Chinese central government firmly supports the HKSAR in safeguarding national security and cracking down on acts that endanger national security in accordance with the law, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson urged the French side to act in accordance with the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, genuinely respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and stop making irresponsible remarks about judicial proceedings in the HKSAR.