Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, has issued a warning to the US, urging them to stay out of the city’s internal affairs. This statement comes after American president-elect Donald Trump made comments suggesting it would be easy to free detained media tycoon Jimmy Lai.
Lee emphasized the importance of mutual respect in trade and diplomatic relations between countries. He stressed that interference in Hong Kong’s internal affairs goes against the principle of respecting the rule of law, which Hong Kong values greatly.
Hong Kong serves as a crucial trade partner for the US, with over 1,200 American companies operating in the city. Lee expressed a desire for a mutually respectful trade relationship with the US, emphasizing the need to protect Hong Kong’s interests and businesses.
Trump’s comments about potentially freeing Jimmy Lai, who is currently on trial under the national security law, have raised concerns in Hong Kong. Lai, the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, faces serious charges that could lead to life imprisonment if convicted.
The trial, which began in December 2023, has been adjourned until next week when Lai is expected to testify for the first time. In a separate case, Lai was sentenced to over five years in jail for fraud.
The US has taken a strong stance against China’s actions in Hong Kong, imposing sanctions on Hong Kong officials and revoking the city’s special trade status. This has further strained relations between the two countries.
As the situation in Hong Kong continues to evolve, it is essential for all parties involved to respect the rule of law and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. The international community, including the US, should tread carefully to ensure that their actions do not undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy and the rights of its residents.
