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By Micah McCartney
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The Chinese government on Tuesday released a white paper outlining its national‑security framework for Hong Kong, less than a day after a court sentenced Beijing-critic and media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison under the city’s National Security Law.
Why It Matters
Lai, 78, a British citizen and founder of the now‑defunct Apple Daily newspaper, received the longest sentence to date under the 2020 National Security Law. His conviction has drawn criticism from the United States, United Kingdom, and other governments, which say the law has sharply curtailed Hong Kong’s civil liberties and breached Beijing’s commitments under the "one country, two systems" framework.
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Beijing and its handpicked government in Hong Kong say the measures were necessary to restore order following the monthslong pro-democracy protests that convulsed the special administrative region.
Newsweek reached out to Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee’s office for comment.
What To Know
National security is the basis for maintaining stability in Hong Kong, according to China's new white paper. It says the central authorities bear fundamental responsibility for national‑security matters, while the Hong Kong government is required to fulfill its constitutional duties under the Basic Law.
The 2019 unrest was a major security challenge, and gaps in Hong Kong’s legal and enforcement systems allowed activities that, in Beijing’s assessment, threatened national sovereignty and stability, the document states. It added that the 2020 National Security Law and subsequent changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system were intended to strengthen the legal framework, reinforce governance and ensure that public office is held by "patriots."
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The white paper further states that Hong Kong has entered what it calls a new chapter marked by improved law‑and‑order conditions, better business sentiment, and renewed public confidence.
Lai was sentenced on three charges related to "endangering national security" by Hong Kong’s Court of First Instance. Eight co‑defendants—including six former senior Apple Daily staffers, an activist, and a paralegal—received sentences ranging from six years and three months to 10 years on collusion‑related charges.
President Donald Trump has said he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider releasing Lai because of concerns about his health.
What People Are Saying
A spokesperson for the Hong Kong government told Newsweek: "The court's publicly released reasons for verdict and sentence have meticulously explain the court's analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons of the conviction and sentencing of Lai Chee-ying (Jimmy Lai) and the three defendant companies.
"The Lai Chee-ying case has nothing to do with freedom of the press at all. Over the years, the defendants have used journalism as a guise to commit acts that brought harm to our country and Hong Kong."
Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told reporters Tuesday: "Certain countries and institutions used the judicial case to make malicious smears against Hong Kong and its rule of law, and interfered in China’s internal affair. China firmly opposes it and has lodged serious protests with those countries and institutions."
Craig Singleton, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ China program, wrote in a statement shared with Newsweek: "Sentencing Lai to 20 years in prison is, in practical terms, a life sentence for a 78‑year‑old man whose only crime was exercising basic freedoms.
"It also creates a clear opening for President Trump to raise Lai’s case directly in Beijing this spring and press for his release on humanitarian grounds, which is consistent with how this president has approached high‑profile detainee cases in past negotiations."
What Happens Next
Robert Pang, Lai’s attorney, declined to say whether an appeal would be filed.
Update 2/13/26 12:53 p.m. ET. This article has been updated with a comment from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.
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