The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has "never been better" and is thriving under the National Security Law, with the legislation helping stabilize the city, according to Allen Zeman, chairman of the Lan Kwai Fong Group.
The High Court of the HKSAR on Monday sentenced former newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison, after considering his "serious and grave criminal conduct." Lai was found guilty on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and one charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The court ruled that Lai was "the mastermind and driving force behind these conspiracies."
Zeman spoke to China Global Television Network (CGTN) after the sentencing.
He stressed that Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity have improved since the law's introduction.
"I say that those people don't know what they're talking about, because I can say what I want up to a point. It's the same as most countries, you know, but you can't collude with a foreign government against your country, wherever that is. The National Security Law, I've read so many of them, and I can tell you it's not done. It's not allowed. It's a crime," he said.
"In Hong Kong, [it's] the same thing, we get behind one leader. We all work together. And the people's lives have gotten better and better. Hong Kong right now is thriving. Hong Kong has never been better at the moment. The National Security Law really helped Hong Kong to stabilize," said Zeman.
On Hong Kong's future, Zeman said the city will remain a global marketplace and a vital connector between the Chinese mainland and the world. He pointed to Hong Kong’s low tax base and strong financial infrastructure as key advantages.
"People trust Hong Kong. It has a low tax base, free flow of capital in and out. In most countries, it's not exactly like that. You know, there's restrictions and all that. In Hong Kong, you can have the money come in and out, low tax of 15 percent, one of the lowest taxes in the world as well. And that kind of gives Hong Kong the stability. And most companies who want to go into China set up their head office in Hong Kong. We have all the top banks in Hong Kong. Last year and this year again, we've had about almost 300 conventions and exhibitions in the Hong Kong convention center and from countries all over the world. Everybody comes here now, because they see it's really the marketplace of the world. I've been here a long time. It's always been good, but it's never been as good as it is now," said Zeman.
Zeman defends National Security Law after Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong
Zeman defends National Security Law after Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the Hungarian capital Budapest on Wednesday, with both sides vowing to deepen all-round cooperation.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conveyed the cordial greetings of the Chinese leadership to Orban.
Wang said that the international situation is complex and volatile, but what remains unchanged is the friendship and cooperation between China and Hungary. He noted that the two countries' leaders have forged solid mutual trust and friendship, providing strategic guarantee for the sound and steady development of bilateral relations.
China appreciates the long-standing friendly policy toward China pursued by the Hungarian government led by Prime Minister Orban, and its active efforts to advance all-round cooperation between the two countries, Wang said.
Facts have proved that developing mutually beneficial cooperation with China fully serves Hungary's national interests and the fundamental interests of its people and is a correct choice, he added.
Wang said China will continue to be a reliable long-term strategic partner of Hungary. The China-Hungary relationship, built on mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation, enjoys strong endogenous momentum and broad prospects for development. China welcomes Hungary to continue riding the express train of Chinese modernization, to share opportunities, and to promote common development.
Wang expressed confidence that Hungary will continue to offer strong support to China on issues of core interests. China will, as always, support Hungary in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, in pursuing a successful development path suited to its national conditions, and in opposing interference in Hungary's internal affairs.
The successful story of China-Hungary cooperation will have a demonstrative effect for Europe and the world, Wang said, expressing hope that Hungary will play an active role in promoting the sound and steady development of China-Europe relations.
For his part, Orban asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings to the Chinese leadership. He said that President Xi Jinping's historic visit to Hungary in 2024 consolidated the traditional friendship between the two countries and deepened cooperation across various fields.
Orban said the Chinese nation is great, and China's leadership has strategic vision and the capacity for long-term planning, guiding China toward rapid development and growing strength and confidence.
He said Hungary admires China's achievements, noting that Chinese enterprises have topped the ranking of investors in Hungary for several consecutive years and that the Hungary-Serbia railway is set to begin operation soon.
These developments have strongly boosted Hungary's economic growth and improved people's livelihoods. Hungary welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in the country, he added.
Orban reaffirmed Hungary's firm commitment to the one-China policy and expressed readiness to further deepen all-round cooperation with China. Hungary will continue to actively promote dialogue and cooperation between Europe and China, he said.
During the visit, Wang also held talks with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, and the two jointly met the press.
After his Hungary trip, the Chinese foreign minister will travel to Germany to attend the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) and deliver a speech at the conference's China session.
Wang's visit is at the invitation of Szijjarto and MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger.
China, Hungary vow to deepen all-round cooperation
