Trump Urges Xi Jinping to Free Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai During High-Stakes Meeting

During their recent meeting in South Korea, US President Donald Trump directly appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the release of imprisoned Hong Kong media magnate Jimmy Lai, according to multiple sources familiar with the conversation.

In the brief discussion lasting under five minutes, Trump expressed concerns about the 77-year-old publishing tycoon's health and well-being following his extended trial on national security charges, rather than proposing a specific arrangement for his release.

"President Trump brought up Jimmy Lai's case, just as he said he would," confirmed a US administration official. "Both President Trump and President Xi engaged in the discussion that followed."

Another source, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the leaders' meeting, stated: "It was raised by Trump and noted by Xi."

According to this source, Trump suggested that freeing Lai would improve US-China relations and enhance China's international image.

Trump's intervention comes as Lai awaits a verdict after a trial widely considered emblematic of China's suppression of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong under the national security law implemented following the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations.

Lai, founder of the now-closed pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has maintained his innocence against two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material.

Although Trump had announced before the meeting his intention to discuss Lai's case, neither he nor the official statements released afterward mentioned this specific topic.

When asked about the discussion regarding Lai, the White House declined to comment. They have not confirmed that Trump raised the issue during the meeting.

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington, stated he was unaware of specific details about Lai from the leaders' conversation but emphasized that Lai's "crimes have gravely undermined Hong Kong's prosperity and stability."

"Any attempt to interfere with the judicial process or to undermine the rule of law in Hong Kong will not succeed," Liu added.

Despite Lai holding British citizenship, his case has created tension between Washington and Beijing. During his presidential campaign last year, Trump had promised he would "100%" secure Lai's release from China.

Sebastien Lai, Jimmy's son, recently expressed gratitude following earlier unconfirmed reports that Trump had discussed his father's situation with Xi.

"Knowing President Trump's reputation as the Liberator in Chief, I pray that his continued support and commitment will convince President Xi to free my father before it is too late," Sebastien Lai stated.

Trump described the predominantly trade-focused discussions with Xi as successful, highlighting progress on rare earth shipments and commitments to take "strong action" on chemicals used in producing the highly addictive drug fentanyl. He mentioned that tensions regarding Taiwan did not arise during their 90-minute meeting in South Korea.

According to his family and human rights organizations, Lai has spent over 1,700 days in solitary confinement and is currently held in maximum security Stanley Prison while awaiting verdict and sentencing following the conclusion of his trial in late August.

His lawyers revealed in court that Lai is experiencing heart palpitations and has been provided with a heart monitor and medication.