‘Crude Interference’: China Lashes Out At G7, EU Over Jimmy Lai Verdict Criticism

Last Updated:December 18, 2025, 10:19 IST

Beijing pushed back sharply against Western condemnation of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s conviction, as UK summoned China’s ambassador and the G7 demanded his release.

Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai was found guilty on December 15, 2025 on two charges of foreign collusion and one charge of seditious publication, in a high-profile case that has drawn condemnation from Western countries. (IMAGE: AFP)

China on Wednesday hit back at the Group of Seven (G7) countries and the European Union over their criticism of the conviction of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, accusing them of “irresponsible remarks" and “crude interference" in China’s internal affairs.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Canada said Beijing expressed “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" to a joint statement issued by G7 foreign ministers and the EU’s High Representative, which criticised the verdict in Lai’s national security case and denounced Hong Kong’s national security law.

The spokesperson said Western governments had “smeared and vilified" the law enforced in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and condemned the comments as a “serious violation of the basic norms governing international relations".

The sharp response followed a statement by G7 foreign ministers earlier in the day, in which they condemned the prosecution of the 78-year-old pro-democracy campaigner and called for his immediate release.

“We continue to express our concerns about deteriorating rights, freedoms and autonomy in Hong Kong," the G7 said, urging Hong Kong authorities to end such prosecutions.

UK Summons China’s Ambassador

Britain also stepped up diplomatic pressure, summoning China’s ambassador to London over Lai’s conviction.

“On my instruction, the Foreign Office has today summoned the Chinese ambassador to underline our position in the strongest terms," UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament, describing the prosecution of the British citizen as “politically motivated".

Who Is Jimmy Lai

Jimmy Lai, a rags-to-riches media tycoon and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was found guilty on Monday on three charges, including two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under Hong Kong’s national security law, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Lai has been in custody since late 2020, following Beijing’s imposition of the sweeping security law after mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. Western governments have repeatedly condemned the law as an assault on political freedoms and press independence, a charge Beijing rejects.

Chinese state media has portrayed Lai as a “traitor" and a key figure conspiring with foreign forces, while supporters see him as a symbol of resistance to Beijing’s tightening grip over the semi-autonomous city.

The case has also drawn direct intervention from US President Donald Trump, who said earlier this week that he had raised Lai’s detention with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“I feel so badly," Trump told reporters. “He’s an older man, and he’s not well. I did put that request out. We’ll see what happens."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the verdict showed China’s determination to “silence those who seek to protect freedom of speech", noting reports that Lai’s health has deteriorated during more than 1,800 days in detention.

Lai is a devout Catholic, with his case being raised in the United States by an ad hoc coalition both of democracy and press freedom advocates and Christian activists, who form a key base for Trump.

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