China backs Hong Kong courts on Jimmy Lai, rejects pre-summit calls for release
Primary region China
Tags Justice · Diplomacy · Media
Regions China
China's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its 'firm support' for Hong Kong's judicial authorities in the case of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, dismissing calls for his release ahead of Trump's state visit. Spokesman Guo Jiakun called Lai 'the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the riots that shook Hong Kong,' and declared Hong Kong affairs to be China's internal matter. Lai, 78, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, is serving a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials under Beijing's National Security Law.
Strategic interpretation
Beijing's preemptive rejection of Lai's release before Trump's arrival signals that Hong Kong judicial outcomes are non-negotiable leverage points — China would rather absorb diplomatic friction than create a precedent of foreign intervention in its domestic legal matters.