WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
UK PM Urges Trump to Push for Jimmy Lai’s Release at China Summit
WHY IT MATTERS
Releasing Lai could signal a change in China’s stance on dissent and alter the diplomatic balance between the UK and China.
What happened
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham asked President Donald Trump to raise the case of Hong Kong dissident Jimmy Lai with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a summit. Trump agreed that Lai should be set free and suggested the UK could host him.
Lai, a former media magnate, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on sedition charges by a Hong Kong court this year. Trump had previously mentioned Lai’s case in May when meeting Xi, but the Chinese leader has not signaled willingness to release him.
The White House and Downing Street did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump said Xi is reluctant because Lai “caused a lot of bedlam” in Hong Kong.
PRIMARY SOURCES
British PM asks Trump to bring up Jimmy Lai with Xi
POLITICO Europe · Dasha Burns, Dan Bloom, Phelim Kine · Discovery only; POLITICO copyright and subscription terms apply