China on Thursday hit out against foreign criticism of the landmark court ruling on Hong Kong’s largest national security trial to date.

Speaking at a regular press briefing in the capital, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing strenuously opposes attempts by foreign countries to use this case to interfere in China’s internal affairs and smear Hong Kong.

"No one can engage in unlawful activities in the name of democracy and then try to escape legal sanctions," she said.

The spokeswoman added that the central government firmly supports the SAR’s law enforcement and judicial authorities in fulfilling their duties in accordance with the law and punishing acts that violated national security.

Her remarks came after the United States, European Union and Australia described the trial as being "politically motivated", and called for those convicted to be immediately released.

14 people were convicted earlier in the day of conspiring to commit subversion under the national security law, after a court ruled that they had sought to subvert state power by plotting to take control of Legco to disrupt government operations in July 2020.

Two others were acquitted.

31 other defendants, meanwhile, had already pleaded guilty in the case.