Overview
- Hong Kong’s foreign ministry office said it lodged “solemn representations” with representatives of the US, UK and other countries over comments on the case.
- Lai, a 78-year-old British citizen and founder of Apple Daily, was convicted this month of sedition and collusion with foreign forces under national security laws.
- The UK called the prosecution politically motivated and summoned China’s ambassador, while the US administration said the verdict showed a drive to silence critics.
- President Donald Trump said he asked Xi Jinping to consider releasing Lai, and Lai’s family has raised urgent concerns about his health in custody.
- Sentencing is expected in early January, a timetable that coincides with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s planned visit to Beijing.