A Hong Kong court on Monday sentenced media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison in his national security trial, prompting Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) to issue a statement strongly condemning the CCP and Hong Kong government for suppressing freedoms and human rights under the guise of national security.

The MAC demanded an immediate halt to the political persecution and the unconditional release of Lai. The case further confirms that under the CCP’s so-called “one country, two systems,” the freedoms promised to Hong Kong people by the Basic Law are rendered meaningless, with the judiciary reduced to a political tool for suppression and elimination of dissent.   

The MAC noted that by charging Lai with collusion with foreign and external forces to endanger national security, the CCP and Hong Kong authorities are incorporating media influence and international connections into the scope of national security measures, aiming to create a cross-domain, cross-border chilling effect. This is neither a special incident nor an isolated case in Hong Kong, but a warning signal of the CCP extending authoritarianism beyond its borders. 

The MAC reminded Taiwanese people to learn from Hong Kong’s experience and safeguard their hard-won freedom, calling on the international community to heighten awareness of the CCP’s erosion of freedoms and human rights, joining Taiwan on the front line of freedom and democracy.