Sir, Articles in the Financial Times on July 14 made unjustified comments with regard to Liu Xiaobo’s case.

China is a country under the rule of law. Everyone is equal before the law and anyone who violates the law should be brought to justice. Liu Xiaobo had violated the law and had been convicted accordingly. The Nobel Committee conferring the Peace Prize upon such a person is completely contrary to the purpose of the award and a blasphemy of the Peace Prize. This is also an interference in China’s domestic affairs and a violation of China’s judicial sovereignty.

Following Liu’s diagnosis of liver cancer, relevant departments and medical institutions in China, in accordance with the law and out of humanitarian consideration, made all-out efforts to treat him and provide maximum facilitation, including inviting tumour experts from the US and Germany to join Liu’s treatment team. The treatment given to Liu was of high standard, which is acknowledged by the American and German experts present at group consultations. The hospital where Liu received treatment issued multiple statements, in which information with regard to Liu’s condition, diagnosis and treatment were released in time, in full and with transparency. Liu’s family members expressed gratitude towards the health workers for their all-out treatment efforts.