Trump Urges Xi to Release Jailed Hong Kong Tycoon Jimmy Lai in High-Stakes Talks

Former U.S. President Donald Trump directly appealed to Chinese leader Xi Jinping last week. He asked for the release of imprisoned Hong Kong media magnate Jimmy Lai. The private discussion occurred during the two leaders’ meeting in South Korea.

According to sources briefed on the talks, Trump raised Lai’s declining health and well-being. He suggested freeing the 77-year-old would improve U.S.-China relations. The exchange lasted only a few minutes but marked a significant diplomatic intervention.

High-Profile Appeal for a Symbolic Prisoner

The discussion was confirmed by three separate sources. A U.S. administration official stated both leaders engaged on the topic. Trump reportedly framed Lai’s potential release as beneficial for China’s global image.

Jimmy Lai is a British citizen and founder of the shut-down Apple Daily newspaper. He is a prominent symbol of China’s crackdown in Hong Kong. Lai has been imprisoned for over 1,700 days, much of it in solitary confinement.

He faces charges of conspiring with foreign forces. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts. A verdict is pending after his trial concluded in August.

A Diplomatic Move Amid Wider Talks

Trump’s appeal adds a human rights layer to the leaders’ discussions. The wider meeting focused heavily on trade and narcotics control. According to Reuters, tensions over Taiwan were notably absent from the 90-minute dialogue.

The former president had promised during his campaign to seek Lai’s freedom. Lai’s family expressed gratitude for Trump’s intervention. His son called Trump the “Liberator in Chief” in a public statement.

China’s embassy in Washington defended the judicial process. A spokesperson stated Lai’s actions undermined Hong Kong’s stability. They warned against external interference in the case.

The direct appeal highlights Jimmy Lai’s case as a persistent friction point. It underscores the complex interplay between geopolitics and human rights. The world now watches for any Chinese response to this high-level request.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: Who is Jimmy Lai?

Jimmy Lai is a Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen. He founded the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, which authorities forced to close. He is currently imprisoned on national security charges.

Q2: What did Trump specifically ask for?

President Trump appealed to Xi Jinping to release Jimmy Lai on humanitarian grounds. He cited Lai’s poor health and lengthy imprisonment. He argued that freeing Lai would help U.S.-China relations.

Q3: What charges does Jimmy Lai face?

Lai faces two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. He also faces one charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Q4: How has China responded to the appeal?

China’s embassy stated it opposes interference in Hong Kong’s judicial process. A spokesperson said Lai’s crimes harmed Hong Kong’s prosperity. They emphasized that the rule of law must be respected.

Q5: Why is Jimmy Lai’s health a concern?

Lai’s lawyers report he suffers from heart palpitations in prison. He has been provided with a heart monitor and medication. His prolonged solitary confinement has raised serious health alarms.

Q6: Where did the Trump-Xi meeting take place?

The two leaders met in South Korea last week. Their discussion lasted approximately 90 minutes. The talks primarily covered trade, fentanyl chemicals, and rare earths.