Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated at a regular press briefing that Jimmy Lai should be severely punished according to the law and accused external forces of interfering in Hong Kong's judicial process and China's internal affairs. The remarks responded to Washington's hopes for Lai's release on humanitarian grounds and speculation about easing Hong Kong-related sanctions. The ministry urged the US to safeguard stable China-US relations and peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Ahead of Donald Trump's visit, China's foreign ministry has warned the United States over Hong Kong pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong affairs, and arms sales to Taiwan. At a regular press briefing, spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized that Jimmy Lai is a major planner and participant in a series of serious anti-China and destabilizing incidents in Hong Kong. "His actions seriously challenged the bottom line of the 'one country, two systems' principle, endangered national security and undermined Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, as well as the well-being of its residents," Guo said.
The spokesman also stated that external forces should not interfere in Hong Kong's judicial process and China's internal affairs. Washington has expressed hopes for Lai's release on humanitarian grounds, with speculation that it might ease some Hong Kong-related sanctions as part of a potential arrangement. Guo reiterated that Lai should be severely punished according to the law.
Additionally, the ministry urged the US to safeguard the stable development of China-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The article notes that Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong for national security crimes, but provides no specific details on the Taiwan arms sales. Keywords include Donald Trump, United States, Apple Daily, Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, one country two systems, Washington, Taiwan Strait, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Beijing, China, People's Liberation Army, Xi Jinping.
The event occurred on March 13, 2026, highlighting tensions between China and the US over Hong Kong and Taiwan issues.