Trump Urges Xi Jinping to Free Hong Kong Journalist Amid Tensions

Thursday, 06 November 2025 06:47 AM EST
President Donald Trump raised the case of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea last week, according to three sources familiar with the discussions and a U.S. administration official.

Trump did not propose a specific deal for Lai’s release but highlighted concerns about the 77-year-old publishing mogul’s health and well-being following his prolonged trial on national security charges, one source said. The conversation lasted less than five minutes, the person added.

“President Trump brought up Jimmy Lai’s case, just as he said he would,” a U.S. administration official stated. “Both President Trump and President Xi engaged in the discussion that followed.” A third individual, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Trump suggested Lai’s release could benefit U.S.-China relations and improve China’s international image.

The intervention comes as Lai awaits a verdict after a trial seen globally as emblematic of Beijing’s crackdown on Hong Kong’s autonomy under the 2019 national security law. Lai, founder of the shuttered pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, faces charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious material, which he has denied.

Trump had previously indicated he would address Lai’s case before the talks but neither side’s official summaries mentioned it afterward. The White House declined to confirm whether Trump raised the issue. China’s embassy in Washington stated it was unaware of specific details about Lai from the meeting, reiterating that his actions “gravely undermined Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.”

Lai, a British citizen, has become a focal point of U.S.-China tensions. His son, Sebastien Lai, praised Trump for reportedly raising the matter with Xi, expressing hope for his father’s release.

Trump described the broader talks with Xi as successful, citing progress on trade and fentanyl export controls. He noted that Taiwan was not discussed during the 90-minute meeting in South Korea.

Lai has been held in solitary confinement for over 1,700 days, according to his family and rights groups. Chinese authorities maintain he receives a fair trial, with Hong Kong’s legal system operating under Common Law protections. Lai is currently detained at Lai Chi Kok prison as he awaits sentencing, facing potential life imprisonment if convicted. His lawyers reported he suffers from heart palpitations and has been provided medical care.