Donald Trump does ‘not feel optimistic’ for Jimmy Lai after speaking with Xi Jinping

During talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, U.S. President Donald Trump raised the case of jailed Hong Kong democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai. Xi described Lai's situation as "a tough one" for him, leading Trump to express a lack of optimism regarding Lai's potential release. Lai, a 78-year-old British citizen and media tycoon, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in February under a security law imposed by Beijing, following his 2020 arrest amidst a crackdown on pro-democracy movements. Lai's family and supporters had hoped Trump could help secure his release, citing his deteriorating health and fears he may die in prison. Trump stated he had brought up Lai's case with Xi, but the response was "not positive."

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he discussed the cases of detained pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and imprisoned Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to Trump, Xi indicated he would "strongly consider" the pastor's case but described Jimmy Lai's situation as a "tough one." Pastor Jin is associated with an unregistered underground church in China, and Lai is the founder of the pro-democracy publication Apple Daily, who was convicted under a national security law. Both families expressed gratitude to Trump for raising their cases. The article notes that activists view Lai's imprisonment as a symbol of declining freedoms in Hong Kong.

During President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing, he pledged to raise the case of detained pastor Ezra Jin with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Jin, the head pastor of Zion Church, has been imprisoned for seven months along with other Christian leaders amidst a crackdown on independent Protestant churches in China. His daughter, Grace Drexel, expressed hope that Trump's intervention could lead to her father's release, noting her family has been separated for years due to the persecution. Trump stated he would bring up the matter, and a White House spokesperson affirmed his commitment to religious freedom. Pastor Jin remained in China to serve his community despite opportunities to leave.