Trump Mentions Raising Jimmy Lai with Xi Jinping; Lai's Daughter Hopes for Father's Early Return on Birthday

(CNA, Taipei, 13th) Trump-Xi meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. US President Trump recently stated that he would raise the case of Next Digital founder Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Jimmy Lai's daughter, Grace Lai, said in a video interview with CNA that she was very grateful that Trump mentioned her father to Xi Jinping again. As of today, her father has been imprisoned for 5 years, 5 months, and 5 days.

Trump, in an interview with conservative host Hugh Hewitt on the 4th, said he would mention Jimmy Lai to Xi Jinping, adding, "He (Xi Jinping) has a lot, a little bit of animosity towards Jimmy Lai."

On the 11th, Trump told reporters at the White House again that he would raise Jimmy Lai's case with Xi Jinping, saying, "Jimmy Lai — he caused a lot of trouble for China. He tried to do the right thing. But he wasn't successful, and he's in prison, and people want him out, and I want him out. So I brought him up again."

According to foreign media reports, Trump also mentioned Jimmy Lai when he met Xi Jinping in Korea last October.

Grace Lai, who is in the US, expressed "immense gratitude" that Trump would once again mention her father to Xi Jinping. She said this shows that Trump has been continuously concerned about her father's case, which gives her more confidence that Trump and his administration can bring her father home.

Grace Lai said her father is 79 years old and has been imprisoned for 5 years, 5 months, and 5 days, and his health is poor. She said the firm commitment shown by the Trump administration and both houses of the US Congress to her father and his freedom fills her family with hope, and currently, only Trump and the US government can help her father regain freedom.

Jimmy Lai was first remanded on December 31, 2020, and later sentenced to prison for other charges. Last December, he was convicted by a Hong Kong court of violating the National Security Law and sentenced to 20 years in prison in February this year.

Regarding the international community's continuous concern for Jimmy Lai over the years, Grace Lai said, "This means a lot to us. The values he represents have far-reaching implications. These values are shared by Hong Kong people and also exist in many democratic countries and places that believe in fundamental human rights."

Grace Lai left Hong Kong for overseas last July and has been working with her elder brother, Sebastian Lai, to rescue their father. Since her father's detention, Grace Lai has only been able to communicate with him through letters, in addition to visits.

In his letters, Jimmy Lai has repeatedly shown unwavering faith and mindset. He once shared his self-reflection in adversity, believing that his current experience has given him a deeper understanding of the meaning of life, and thanked faith for bringing him peace.

In his letters, Jimmy Lai also expressed his concern for his children. He once mentioned that every time he saw his daughter's strength and dignity in court, it made him immensely proud.

Grace Lai laughed and said her father once asked her in a letter if she had a boyfriend and also told her to learn cooking from her mother, and to learn more Cantonese dishes, such as steamed fish and fresh abalone. Grace Lai, missing her father, now learns to cook his favorite dishes.

May 13 is Grace Lai's birthday. She remembers that her father used to celebrate her birthday every year, even flying overseas to celebrate with her when she was studying abroad. Since her father's detention, she has visited him every birthday and has not been in the mood to celebrate.

However, Grace Lai said that her father is always happy to see her and always wishes her "Happy Birthday." Her biggest birthday wish now is "family reunion," hoping God continues to bless her family, "especially during this time when my father is very weak."

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a regular press conference on the 12th. An AFP reporter asked if China would consider releasing Jimmy Lai if Trump requested it during talks with Chinese leaders. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia-kun stated that Jimmy Lai is a major plotter and participant in the 'anti-China chaos in Hong Kong' incident, and Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. The Chinese central government firmly supports the Hong Kong judicial authorities in performing their duties according to law.

Hong Kong's Ming Pao quoted a Hong Kong government spokesperson on the 9th as stating, "We strongly urge external forces to immediately stop interfering in the internal affairs of the Special Administrative Region and the independent exercise of judicial power by the SAR courts," and also indicated that all cases, including Jimmy Lai's, are handled strictly in accordance with evidence and law. Any country, organization, or individual attempting to interfere with the SAR's judicial process through political means is an act undermining the rule of law and should be condemned. (Edited by Chen Kai-yu / Lu Chia-jung) 1150513

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