China rejects calls to free Jimmy Lai ahead of Trump's China visit
Beijing's Foreign Ministry says the jailed media tycoon is a 'principal mastermind' behind Hong Kong riots, backing the courts that sentenced him to 20 years.
By Jolene T. Smith
12 May, 2026
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected suggestions that it might free jailed former media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying before US President Donald Trump arrives in China this week. Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing that "[Jimmy] Lai Chee-ying is the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the riots that shook Hong Kong."
When asked if Beijing would consider Lai's release if Trump raised the issue during talks with Chinese officials, Guo reaffirmed Beijing's position. "Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. The central government of China firmly supports the Hong Kong judicial authorities in performing duties in accordance with the law," he said.
Trump's three-day state visit begins Wednesday at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The trip marks the first time a US president has visited China since 2017, when Trump travelled there during his first term. The summit occurs as a US-Iran ceasefire is in place.
Lai, 78, founded the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and of printing and distributing seditious publications. Both charges relate to national security laws.
Reporting incorporates material from a third-party source. Original
