Trump Urges Xi Jinping to Release Imprisoned Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai

HONG KONG/WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping to release jailed Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai during their recent meeting in South Korea, according to U.S. officials. A White House official confirmed that Trump expressed concern about Lai’s health and solitary confinement, saying, “Jimmy Lai should be released and he wants to see that happen.”

Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai

Sources said Trump spent several minutes discussing Lai’s case, emphasizing that his release would improve China’s global image and U.S.-China relations. Lai, the 77-year-old Catholic entrepreneur and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, was arrested in 2020 on charges including unauthorized assembly, fraud, and national security violations. His prolonged imprisonment and health concerns have drawn international condemnation and renewed calls for his freedom from Western leaders and human rights organizations.

Business News