United States President Donald Trump has personally urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider releasing Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy media mogul in Hong Kong, citing concerns over the 78-year-old’s deteriorating health following his conviction.
On Monday, Hong Kong’s High Court found Lai guilty on three charges under the city’s national security law, a ruling condemned by rights groups as a serious blow to press freedom.
Prosecutors accused Lai of conspiring to encourage foreign governments to intervene in Hong Kong or China and of publishing material that “excited disaffection” against authorities. Lai pleaded not guilty and now faces the possibility of a life sentence.
“I spoke to President Xi about it and asked him to consider releasing Mr. Lai,” Trump told reporters on Monday, without specifying when the appeal was made. “He’s an older man and not in good health. We’ll see what happens.”
Trump reportedly raised Lai’s case during a meeting with Xi in South Korea last October. Following Trump’s comments, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that the conviction highlighted Beijing’s determination to silence dissent, saying it underscores China’s resolve to “suppress those who seek to protect freedom of speech and other fundamental rights.”
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Lai, the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, has become one of the most prominent figures targeted under Hong Kong’s national security law. Rubio noted that Lai’s health has “severely deteriorated” after more than 1,800 days in detention, and called for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds.
The United Kingdom also condemned the verdict, calling it a “politically motivated prosecution” and demanding Lai’s release. His son, Sebastien, urged London to take stronger action, saying his father’s freedom should be a condition for closer UK-China relations.
Lai’s daughter, Claire, said her father would give up political activism if freed. “He just wants to reunite with his family and dedicate his remaining days to his faith and loved ones,” she said, describing him as fundamentally law-abiding.
A devout Catholic, Lai has gained support in the US from democracy advocates, press freedom groups, and Christian activists—a core segment of Trump’s political base.
The closure of Apple Daily in 2021, once known for its fearless reporting, marked a turning point in Hong Kong’s media landscape. News organisations have since reduced critical coverage of China, and the city’s global press freedom ranking has plummeted to 140th out of 180 countries, according to advocacy group RFA.
“Although the verdict was expected, it still hit hard when announced,” said Edward Li, a former Apple Daily editor now residing in Taiwan. “Hong Kong no longer has Apple Daily or a strong voice to monitor the government, which is why we feel compelled to fill that gap.”