The Chinese embassy in Canada has issued a statement condemning Canada's open smear and interference in Hong Kong's judicial affairs.

The statement made by Canada in convicting and sentencing Jimmy Lai criticized and smeared the national security law of Hong Kong. We strongly express our strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this, condemning it as a gross interference in China's internal affairs and a serious violation of the basic norms of international relations. Jimmy Lai is a key planner and participant in a series of major anti-China and turmoil-causing events in Hong Kong, with obvious guilt and serious harm. Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, where everyone is equal before the law. The judicial organs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region fulfill their duties in accordance with the law, uphold the authority of the law, safeguard national security, and act reasonably and lawfully, and cannot be interfered with. Since the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong, the society has remained stable and the rights and freedoms of residents have been solidly protected. We urge Canada to respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and immediately stop interfering with the judicial system in Hong Kong and meddling in China's internal affairs.