Bangkok: The Chinese government released a white paper on Hong Kong's procedures for safeguarding national security, one day after Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison under the national security law by a Hong Kong court.

According to Thai News Agency, the white paper emphasizes that Hong Kong will continue to improve its legal system to protect national security. It highlights Hong Kong's commitment to maintaining stability and overcoming challenges, asserting that the region will remain steadfast in a turbulent world. The document also discusses the Hong Kong National Security Law as a crucial legal measure that has eliminated significant threats and restored social order. The implementation of this law, the paper argues, has bolstered Hong Kong's security under the "one country, two systems" framework while enhancing China's national security system.

The Chinese government has a history of publishing white papers on Hong Kong, with the most recent one in 2021 focusing on democratic development and electoral reforms to ensure only 'patriots' could run for the Legislative Council. The latest white paper was issued just a day after Lai, the 78-year-old owner of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on charges of foreign conspiracy. This sentence represents the maximum penalty under the national security law imposed in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020. The international community, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, the European Union, Japan, and various human rights organizations, has criticized the sentence. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk condemned it as being inconsistent with international law.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee expressed support for the white paper, emphasizing the need for vigilance against national security threats. He remarked that Jimmy Lai's sentence serves as a stern warning to those who might engage in plots against national security or collude with foreign powers.