U.S. President Donald Trump directly pressed Chinese President Xi Jinping to release Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai during a recent bilateral meeting in South Korea, according to multiple informed sources and a U.S. official.

The closed-door meeting, held on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Busan, saw Trump briefly advocate for Lai’s freedom, emphasizing concerns about the 77-year-old’s health following his lengthy incarceration under China’s national security law. Lai, a vocal critic of Beijing and founder of the now-closed Apple Daily, remains a high-profile symbol of Hong Kong’s shrinking press freedom.

“President Trump brought up Jimmy Lai’s case, just as he said he would,” said a senior U.S. administration official. Another source said Trump suggested Lai’s release would benefit China’s international reputation and bilateral ties with the U.S.

Though the exact details of the exchange were not officially confirmed in post-meeting readouts, Trump’s initiative marks a rare personal intervention in a sensitive legal case at the heart of strained U.S.-China relations.

Lai was arrested under Hong Kong’s Beijing-imposed national security law, introduced after the 2019 pro-democracy protests. He faces charges including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and sedition, and could face life in prison if convicted.

Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, publicly praised Trump’s efforts, saying he was “incredibly grateful” and hopeful that continued diplomatic pressure could secure his father’s release.

Chinese officials continue to defend Lai’s prosecution, calling him a provocateur responsible for “anti-China riots,” and rejected any foreign interference in Hong Kong’s judicial matters.

Lai, who holds British citizenship, has been detained for over 1,700 days, much of it in solitary confinement. His ongoing legal battle has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over Hong Kong’s autonomy and human rights under Chinese rule.