China Protests Western Criticism Over Lai Verdict, Summons Diplomats

• Chinese foreign ministry in Hong Kong formally protested Western diplomatic missions over remarks on a high-profile media figure's legal proceedings.
• Officials summoned heads of diplomatic missions from the UK, US, Australia, and the EU to register complaints.
• China expressed dissatisfaction and firm opposition to foreign commentary, calling it an affront to judicial processes.
• The protest demanded respect for China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law, urging an end to interference in internal affairs.
• Diplomatic friction follows the 20-year prison sentence of media tycoon Jimmy Lai under the national security law, which international observers have criticized.