WorldDiplomacy

Son of imprisoned Hong Kong activist says he’s ‘confident’ Trump will negotiate release with Xi

Published 1w ago · Updated 6d ago

Covered in 2 countries

AI summary43s readNeutral

International diplomatic pressure mounts for the release of imprisoned Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai.

Sebastien Lai has expressed confidence that President Donald Trump will negotiate the release of his imprisoned father, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This diplomatic push follows a direct appeal from the British prime minister, who also indicated the dissident could reside in the United Kingdom if freed. The international efforts highlight ongoing high-level pressure on Beijing regarding political prisoners.

Sebastien Lai appeared on a television broadcast to advocate for his father's freedom.
British officials informed sources that the freed activist would be welcomed to live in the United Kingdom.
The British prime minister personally asked Donald Trump to raise the imprisonment during discussions with Xi Jinping.

Timeline

Sep 22The British prime minister asked Donald Trump to bring up Jimmy Lai with the Chinese president.
Sep 23Sebastien Lai voiced confidence on television that Donald Trump will negotiate his father's release.

Why it matters

Jimmy Lai is a prominent pro-democracy figure and publisher whose imprisonment in Hong Kong has drawn widespread international concern and condemnation from Western governments regarding human rights in the territory.