Trump to Raise Human Rights Issue of Anti-China Media Owner in U.S.-China Talks

Jimmy Lai, Founder of Apple Daily,
Indicted and Detained for Violating National Security Law

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will raise the human rights issue of Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy figure, during trade negotiations with China.

According to Bloomberg News, President Trump said in a radio interview on the 7th (local time), "It is a good idea to talk about Jimmy Lai," adding, "We will make it part of the negotiations."

This statement came in response to host Hugh Hewitt, who recalled that President Trump had previously called for Lai's release in an earlier interview and asked if there had been any progress on the matter. President Trump did not provide any further details or specific plans.

Bloomberg News pointed out that President Trump's mention of Lai's treatment could provoke resentment from China ahead of the U.S.-China summit.

Lai is the owner of Apple Daily, a leading anti-China media outlet in Hong Kong. Apple Daily, founded by Lai in 1995, actively reported on corruption among Chinese leadership but was forced to cease publication voluntarily in 2021 due to pressure from authorities.

Lai was detained in December 2020 on charges including violating the National Security Law, leading illegal assemblies, and fraud. The trial on National Security Law charges was delayed multiple times due to issues such as the appointment of foreign lawyers, and finally began in December 2023. Bloomberg News reported that Lai, who is in his seventies, could face a life sentence under the National Security Law enacted by China.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are scheduled to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 10-11 to discuss trade issues between the two countries, including tariffs.