President Donald Trump on Friday said he is “not optimistic” about securing the release of jailed Hong Kong democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, signaling dim prospects for one of the highest-profile human rights cases raised during his recent visit to China.
Speaking in an interview released Friday with Fox News host Bret Baier, Trump said he personally raised Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping but was met with resistance.
“I brought up Jimmy Lai, and I would say the response to that was not positive,” Trump said. “I said, ‘Well, I would appreciate it if you would release him. He’s gotten old, and he’s probably not feeling too well. It would be nice.’ And I did not feel optimistic. I’d have to be honest with you about that one.”
Trump said he discussed Lai’s detention alongside other religious and human rights cases, including a pastor imprisoned abroad, while touting his past success
Continue reading
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!