Former US President Donald Trump has publicly disclosed that he personally appealed to Chinese leader Xi Jinping to secure the release of imprisoned British citizen and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai.
International Appeals and Diplomatic Tensions
The revelation comes amidst significant diplomatic friction, with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirming that China's ambassador to the UK was summoned on Tuesday, 16 December 2025. The meeting was to protest Lai's conviction in the "strongest terms," with the UK government labelling it a "politically motivated prosecution" and repeating calls for his immediate release.
Mr Trump expressed deep concern for the 78-year-old media tycoon's wellbeing. "I spoke to President Xi about it, and I asked to consider his release," Trump stated. "He's not well, he's an older man, and he's not well, so I did put that request out. We'll see what happens."
The Case of Jimmy Lai
Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was arrested in August 2020 following the imposition of a national security law in Hong Kong. After a lengthy legal process, he was found guilty on three serious charges: two counts of conspiracy to commit collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security and one count of conspiracy to distribute seditious publications.
Having already served five years in prison for lesser offences, this latest conviction could see the elderly businessman incarcerated for life. His family reports his health has severely deteriorated during his detention, which has included periods of solitary confinement.
His daughter, Claire Lai, told the Associated Press her father has suffered significant weight loss, back and waist pains, deteriorating vision and hearing, heart palpitations, and issues with his teeth and nails. "He just wants to reunite with his family," she said, adding he would devote himself to faith and family if released.
Diverging Official Statements
Hong Kong's security chief, Chris Tang, countered claims of poor treatment, asserting Lai has received "full medical services" and has never complained about his care. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's leader John Lee welcomed the court's verdict, stating Lai had "harmed the fundamental interests of the country and the well-being of the people of Hong Kong."
The case remains a major point of contention in UK-China relations. Sebastian Lai, Jimmy's son, is actively lobbying the UK government, arguing his father's freedom should be a "precondition" for normalising bilateral ties. "You've got to keep fighting no matter what," he asserted.
The diplomatic summons and high-level international appeals underscore the case's significance, positioning Jimmy Lai as a central figure in the ongoing geopolitical struggle over Hong Kong's future and the interpretation of its national security legislation.
