A Quick Chat About a Jailed Media Boss

In a brief chat during a recent meeting, U. S. President Donald Trump brought up the case of Jimmy Lai, a media tycoon from Hong Kong who's currently behind bars. Lai, now 77, is facing serious charges related to national security. Trump didn't ask for a specific deal to free Lai, but he did express concerns about Lai's health and well-being. The talk lasted less than five minutes. Trump mentioned that freeing Lai could be good for U. S. -China relations and China's image. However, neither Trump nor the Chinese side officially mentioned this discussion after the meeting. The White House hasn't confirmed if Trump brought up Lai's case. Meanwhile, China's embassy in Washington stated that Lai's actions have harmed Hong Kong's stability and that any interference in the judicial process won't be tolerated. Lai, who started the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, is awaiting a verdict. He's pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. His case is seen as a symbol of China's crackdown on rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. Lai has been in solitary confinement for over 1, 700 days and is now in a maximum-security prison. His family and rights groups report that he's suffering from heart palpitations and has been given a heart monitor and medication. His son, Sebastien Lai, expressed gratitude to Trump for raising his father's case, hoping it will lead to his release. During the meeting, Trump and China's President Xi Jinping discussed various topics, including trade and drug-related issues. Trump mentioned that tensions over Taiwan didn't come up in their conversation.