'His actions severely harmed Hong Kong...': China backs Jimmy Lai sentence, calls it lawful and just

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai "deserved to be severely punished in accordance with the law," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday (February 9), after a Hong Kong court sentenced the 78-year-old to 20 years in jail. Hong Kong's judicial organs performed their duties, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular news conference. The Chinese central government firmly supports Hong Kong in safeguarding national security in accordance with the law, Lin added.