Jimmy Lai should be severely punished by law: spokesman

Jimmy Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, should be severely punished by law, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday.

Lin made the statement in response to a media query about Jimmy Lai's case.

The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday morning sentenced Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison.

"First, I'd like to emphasize that Jimmy Lai is a Chinese citizen. As the principal architect and participant in a series of anti-China activities aimed at destabilizing Hong Kong, his actions have severely undermined the fundamental principles of One Country, Two Systems, gravely endangered national security, and significantly harmed Hong Kong's prosperity, stability, and the well-being of its residents. He should be severely punished by law. Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law. Judicial authorities in HKSAR fulfill their duties, safeguard the authority of the law and defend national security in accordance with the law. This is justified, legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach. The central government firmly supports the HKSAR in safeguarding national security and punishing crimes that endanger national security in accordance with the law," said Lin.

"Practice has proven that the better the Hong Kong national security law is implemented, the more stable and secure Hong Kong society becomes, the better the rights and freedoms of the vast majority of Hong Kong residents are safeguarded, the brighter Hong Kong's golden reputation shines, and the more steadily and sustainably the practice of One Country, Two Systems can proceed. The relevant judicial cases are purely internal affairs of the HKSAR. We urge relevant countries to respect China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law, refrain from making irresponsible remarks on the trials of judicial cases in the HKSAR, and not interfere in any form with Hong Kong's judicial proceedings," said the spokesman.

Jimmy Lai should be severely punished by law: spokesman

Jimmy Lai should be severely punished by law: spokesman

Jimmy Lai should be severely punished by law: spokesman

The head of German auto giant BMW on Tuesday expressed confidence that the company will remain an iconic industry leader, saying it is poised to shape the future of individual mobility.

Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management and CEO of BMW AG, made the remarks ahead of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to China.

Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a two-day official visit, his first since taking office last May, accompanied by top executives from about 30 German firms, including BMW.

In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Zipse outlined a series of key factors that he said would position the company for a stronger future.

He stressed that BMW will remain a leader in individual mobility, citing electrification, digitalization, artificial intelligence, sustainability, growing regulatory scrutiny, and its strong global strategy and partnerships as key drivers of future success.

"Individual mobility remains highly important and a very attractive industry. We see major trends which have a major impact: electrification, digitalization and artificial intelligence, sustainability, and scrutiny from regulators worldwide. We have a strong business model and all the ingredients for future success. A consistent strategy, a pioneering spirit across the entire value chain, a strong global footprint, successful cross-border partnerships, financial stability, and long-standing customer orientation. Therefore, we are confident that we will continue to shape the industry's future and to play a leading role," he said.

BMW CEO confident company will remain leader in individual mobility