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A handful of Western politicians and media outlets have launched a cynical smear campaign over the sentencing of Jimmy Lai, falsely claiming that Hong Kong's civil liberties are being curtailed and democracy eroded. These accusations are not only baseless but also a deliberate distortion of Hong Kong's rule of law and a blatant attempt to interfere in China's internal affairs.

They willfully ignore the plain fact that since the implementation of National Security Law in Hong Kong, the Special Administrative Region has emerged from chaos, restored stability, and is firmly on track toward long-term prosperity. Such politically motivated smears will never derail Hong Kong's steady progress or dim its promising future.

At the heart of this misinformation campaign is a refusal to acknowledge Hong Kong's independent judicial system and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. The trial and sentencing of Jimmy Lai were conducted strictly in accordance with Hong Kong's laws, with full respect for due process, evidence and procedural justice. Court proceedings remain transparent, judgments are published in detail and legal reasoning is subject to public and professional scrutiny. Throughout the proceedings, Hong Kong's judiciary operated independently, free from any external pressure or political interference.

This is not the behavior of a legal system in decline. On the contrary, it demonstrates that Hong Kong's courts are safeguarding the integrity and authority of the rule of law by handling even the most politically charged cases according to established legal standards.

At the same time, in the context of 2019 unrest, the central government's introduction of the National Security Law in Hong Kong and the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" effectively closed the legal loopholes in safeguarding national security in the city. During the unrest, violent protests, attacks on public institutions and open calls for foreign interference posed real threats not only to public safety but also to Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity. No society can function, let alone prosper, in a state of sustained disorder.

The National Security Law in Hong Kong provided a legal framework to restore stability while ensuring that Hong Kong's free market, independent judiciary and international connectivity remain intact under "one country, two systems." The principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" is not about narrowing political participation; it is about ensuring that those entrusted with governing the city respect its constitutional order and do not seek to undermine it. This is a principle that exists in various forms in other countries, where loyalty to the constitutional system is a prerequisite for holding public office.

Facts speak louder than political rhetoric, and the real‑world performance of Hong Kong's economy and business environment fully refutes the Western doomsayers. 

In the Economic Freedom of the World 2025 Annual Report released by the Fraser Institute, Hong Kong once again topped the list as the world's freest economy, a testament to its free market, sound legal system, efficient governance and open business environment. This ranking is clear international recognition of Hong Kong's institutional strengths and the effectiveness of its rule of law. Meanwhile, the 2026 Business Sentiment Survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong showed a significant rebound in business confidence, with over half of respondents expressing optimism about the city's outlook for the coming year. International businesses continue to choose Hong Kong as a preferred hub for regional operations, drawn by its stability, connectivity and rule of law.

This data proves that the National Security Law and related measures have not weakened Hong Kong's competitiveness; instead, they have consolidated local and international confidence in the city's future.

Over time, Hong Kong has weathered far greater storms than op-eds in foreign newspapers. It has survived financial crises, pandemics and periods of acute social unrest. It's been proven that no amount of political posturing can stop Hong Kong's march toward a brighter future. The city's rule of law is solid, its vitality is strong and its prospects are bright. Western smears will fade into irrelevance, while Hong Kong will continue writing a new chapter of stability, prosperity and success under the framework of "one country, two systems."

The author Liu Kun is a political analyst based in Beijing.

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