Hong Kong leader says Xi Jinping gave ‘strong support’ for Jimmy Lai conviction
Xi backs conviction of Jimmy Lai despite worldwide condemnation
- Chinese President Xi Jinping said he endorsed the conviction of British media tycoon Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, despite global condemnation of his trial.
- Lai, the 78-year-old pro-democracy campaigner and founder of Apple Daily, was found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under Hong Kong's national security law and awaits sentencing.
- President Xi commented on the arrest during a meeting with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee in Beijing.
- The endorsement precedes a scheduled visit to Beijing by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is under pressure to advocate for Lai's release.
- The conviction has drawn strong criticism from Western governments and rights groups, leading to the British government summoning China's ambassador and US president Donald Trump expressing sorrow.