Photo: CCTV

The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday held a hearing to deliver sentences for the case of "conspiracy to subvert the state power" in Hong Kong. Forty-five individuals who oppose China and attempt to destabilize Hong Kong, including Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 50 months to 10 years.  

This case is the first conviction for subverting state power since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and its judgment and sentencing will serve as a highly valuable reference for similar future cases. It also acts as a strong deterrent to any individuals or forces that attempt to endanger national security and undermine Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. This clearly demonstrates that the Hong Kong National Security Law is a red line, and anyone who attempts to cross it will inevitably face a just trial.

After the verdict, some Western countries couldn't help but chime in with their unsolicited opinions. The US State Department even issued a statement, openly attempting to exonerate the anti-China rioters, claiming that they were "peacefully participating in normal political activity," and threatened to "impose new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials." Let's take a look at what the 45 convicted individuals actually did and whether they are really as innocent as some claim.

Benny Tai, who has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on the charge of subversion of state power, was a leading figure and proponent of the so-called 35-plus political strategy aimed to "paralyze" the city's government. This strategy, together with his "10 steps to mutual destruction" roadmap, attempted to create a "constitutional" crisis and incite street riots in Hong Kong. Secessionist Joshua Wong provoked anti-China protestors in Hong Kong to besiege the Hong Kong police headquarters, and even went to the US Congress to "testify" and incite the US to impose sanctions on Hong Kong. Owen Chow and Gwyneth Ho, both advocates of "mutual destruction," attempted to paralyze the Hong Kong government. Chow once boldly claimed to be dedicated to "mutual destruction" until the end. Gwyneth Ho wrote in the Los Angeles Times in 2020 that an opposition majority in the city's Legislative Council "would be the nightmare scenario for Beijing." They have a clear goal of creating a political and social crisis in Hong Kong, and their actions have seriously threatened national security. Their trial demonstrates that justice has long arms.

Some external forces have been eyeing this case since the beginning of its proceedings, continuously smearing the judicial and law-enforcement agencies in an attempt to interfere with the court's independent judgment. Why are they reacting so fiercely? First, it proves that they indeed had "tentacles" in Hong Kong in the past; second, as these "tentacles" are being severed one by one, they find it increasingly difficult to substantively interfere in Hong Kong affairs and can only rely on public opinion intimidation tactics. However, the Hong Kong Department of Justice and law-enforcement personnel have not been intimidated by their threats. They continue to uphold professionalism, maintain national security, and make rulings in accordance with the law. This demonstrates judicial justice and conveys the message of governing Hong Kong according to the law to society, while also highlighting the independence of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's court system.

Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, and the fundamental principle is that laws must be followed and violations must be punished. No one can engage in illegal activities under the guise of "democracy" and attempt to escape legal consequences. We have noticed that some Western media have accused Hong Kong of "judicial unfairness" following the verdict in this case, even claiming that such actions "would not be considered crimes in other rights-respecting jurisdictions." This double standard is a desecration of the spirit of the rule of law.

After the national security law for Hong Kong officially came into effect in 2020, the arrogance of "Hong Kong independence" activists has clearly been suppressed. Those who once attempted to split the country and cast a shadow over Hong Kong through violence and chaos have either gone into hiding or publicly "withdrawn from the group." With social stability and order restored in Hong Kong, there has been a rise in social confidence, and the business environment has greatly improved. 

This year, during the National Day holidays, we saw vibrant national and regional flags displayed throughout the streets and alleys of Hong Kong, fluttering in the wind and reflecting a new atmosphere of governance that leads to prosperity. There is reason to believe that with the support of the motherland and connections to the world, Hong Kong will shine even brighter in the future.