European MPs debate actions to punish Hong Kong after Jimmy Lai conviction

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Connor MycroftJanuary 22, 2026 at 12:44 AM

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European lawmakers debated potential actions against Hong Kong following the conviction of Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, on national security charges. The debate, held in the European Parliament, centered on calls for the European Commission to revoke Hong Kong's special trade status and sanction the city's chief executive and other officials. Members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) urged the EU to take concrete measures, referencing a previous non-binding motion that did not result in action. Lai's conviction on charges of colluding with foreign forces and sedition could lead to a life sentence. MEPs are demanding his release and a strong response from the EU.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Brussels 40% Beijing 50% World Trade Organization 50% Miriam Lexmann 60% Apple Daily 60% European Commission 60% Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) ×270% European Parliament 70% European Union ×280% Jimmy Lai ×490% Hong Kong ×590%

Keywords

jimmy lai 100% hong kong 100% national security 80% special trade status 70% european parliament 70% sanctions 70% eu 60% democracy 50% inter-parliamentary alliance on china 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.40

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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jimmy lai hong kong national security special trade status european parliament sanctions eu democracy inter-parliamentary alliance on china

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