Trump Says He Raised Jimmy Lai Case With Xi Jinping
US President Donald Trump has said he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider the release of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist who is currently facing trial under China’s national security law. Trump made the statement while referring to his past engagements with Chinese leadership, highlighting the issue of political freedoms in Hong Kong.
Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, has been detained since 2020 and is facing charges related to alleged collusion with foreign forces. Chinese authorities maintain that the case is a matter of national security and law enforcement, while international rights groups have described Lai as a political prisoner.
Trump Claims Personal Intervention
Trump said he directly raised Lai’s case with President Xi during discussions between the two leaders. He did not specify when the request was made or what response, if any, he received from the Chinese side. Trump has previously stated that he discussed several sensitive issues with Xi during his presidency, including trade disputes, Hong Kong protests, and human rights concerns.
China has consistently rejected external pressure on its handling of Hong Kong affairs, arguing that such matters fall strictly within its internal jurisdiction.
International Reaction to Lai’s Detention
The detention and prosecution of Jimmy Lai have drawn criticism from several Western governments, including the United States and the United Kingdom, which have called for his release and raised concerns over the erosion of press freedom in Hong Kong. Beijing, however, insists that the national security law is necessary to maintain stability and has denied that it undermines civil liberties.
No Official Response From China
There has been no official confirmation from Chinese authorities regarding Trump’s claim. Lai’s trial remains ongoing, and he continues to be held in custody as legal proceedings progress.
