China has expressed its “strong dissatisfaction” after the EU condemned the life sentence for separatism handed down to Ilham Tohti — a “respected academic” — and called for his immediate and unconditional release, on Sept 24.

Jiang Xiaoyan, spokeswoman of the Chinese Mission to the EU, said China is strongly dissatisfied with the statement and resolutely opposed to any interference in China’s judicial sovereignty and independence.

She said China’s resolve and efforts to govern the country under the rule of law will never bend to those irresponsible remarks.

The EU bloc’s foreign policy arm, European External Action Services, said on Sept 23 that Ilham Tohti was a “respected academic” and called for his immediate and unconditional release.

Jiang said the so-called “respected academic was a convicted criminal who has openly championed violence, instigated ethnic hatred and stirred up ethnic confrontations in China.

“Such actions are considered violations of similar laws in Europe. The case has been tried fairly and publicly,” she said. “The lawful rights and interests of the defendant have been duly protected.”