Trump to Include Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Case in China Trade Talks, Confirmed in Hugh Hewitt Interview

Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will include the case of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai in upcoming trade negotiations with China. During an interview on the Hugh Hewitt podcast, Trump reiterated his commitment to pressuring Beijing to release Lai, who has been a prominent figure in pro-democracy activism. This development signals that the issue of Hong Kong's political detainees will be a component of the broader U.S.-China trade discussions, potentially adding complexity to the negotiations. Trump’s stance follows his previous promise after his 2024 election victory to advocate for Lai’s release as part of U.S. efforts to address human rights concerns amid ongoing trade talks with China.