US President Donald Trump has publicly called on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to “consider” the release of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon recently convicted under the city’s controversial national security law. Lai, a British citizen, has been detained since December 2020 and faces a potential life sentence following his high-profile conviction.

Trump Appeals for Jimmy Lai’s Release

Speaking briefly to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed concern for Lai’s health, describing him as “an older man” who is “not well.” While Trump did not specify when he raised the matter with Xi, he confirmed that he made the request and added, “We’ll see what happens, okay.”

Lai was convicted on Monday of colluding with foreign forces, a charge under Hong Kong’s national security law that critics argue is aimed at suppressing dissent. Rights groups have condemned the verdict, calling it politically motivated, while the Hong Kong government defended the ruling as protecting national interests.

International Reactions to Lai’s Conviction

The UK has strongly condemned Lai’s conviction, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for his “immediate release” and describing the trial as “politically motivated persecution.” She told Parliament that Lai had been targeted for peacefully exercising his freedom of expression, and emphasized the Foreign Office had summoned the Chinese Ambassador to express the UK’s position.

China’s foreign ministry dismissed international criticism as “brazen defamation and smearing of the judicial system in Hong Kong.” Meanwhile, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee defended the conviction, claiming Lai’s actions had “damaged the country’s interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers.”

Who is Jimmy Lai?

Jimmy Lai, 78, is a prominent pro-democracy media tycoon and founder of Apple Daily, a Hong Kong newspaper known for its outspoken criticism of Beijing. In addition to the national security charges, Lai was convicted of publishing seditious material under a colonial-era law.

His detention has drawn widespread international concern. Rights groups argue that the convictions are part of a broader crackdown on freedom of the press and pro-democracy activism in Hong Kong. Lai’s family has also voiced alarm about his deteriorating health, with his children warning that he could “die in prison” if not released.

Global Implications

The case of Jimmy Lai has heightened tensions between Hong Kong, China, and Western governments. With Trump’s appeal to Xi Jinping and the UK government’s official statements, the situation has attracted renewed international attention. The verdict serves as a reminder of the continuing human rights concerns in Hong Kong and the global debate over the city’s autonomy under Beijing’s national security law.