China has signaled greater efforts to protect national security in Hong Kong after the sentencing of former media mogul Jimmy Lai renewed foreign governments¡¯ calls for his release.

Beijing¡¯s State Council on Tuesday outlined plans to strengthen security in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, naming finance and shipping among areas of focus.

¡°Greater attention should be given to security in unconventional areas such as finance, shipping, trade, and the protection of overseas interests,¡± according to a 2026 white paper published by the information office of China¡¯s Cabinet.