Jimmy Lai wanted Trump to stop Hong Kong national security law with ‘call to Xi’ – as it happened
Former media boss takes stand for first time in national security trial, outlining ties with US officials past and present as well as ex-Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen
At the morning hearing, Lai explained his relationships with United States politicians and Taiwanese figures, including the self-ruled island’s former leader Tsai Ing-wen, as well as his establishment of Next Magazine and Apple Daily.
He denied ever trying to use his connections to influence foreign policy on Hong Kong or China or exploiting his friendships with overseas officials to push a political agenda.
Lai said he had never donated to political parties overseas or tried to pay off foreign politicians, adding that he had only made “small” donations of US$30,000 to US$50,000 each year to US think tanks and religious organisations.
The court heard that Lai admitted to donating £20,000 (US$25,330) to Hong Kong Watch, a pressure group founded by Benedict Rogers, as he thought the UK activist was doing something “meaningful” and supporting the city.
He also described meetings with various American political figures as casual and shallow, calling a discussion with ex-US national security adviser John Bolton “just chit-chat” and doubting that former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi even remembered him.
When asked about his Taiwanese connections, the former tycoon admitted he had introduced former president Tsai to two former US officials to help the self-ruled island, which Beijing sees as part of China and to be reunited by force if necessary.
Lai said he had found the idea of independence for Hong Kong and Taiwan “a conspiracy”, and had banned the staff of Apple Daily from mentioning what he called a “crazy” idea.
The hearing resumes in the afternoon with the defence touching on whether Lai intended to “pollute the minds” of Apple Daily readers. He is expected to respond to the first charge of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publication in his case as well.
For the current trial, Lai, a vehement critic of Beijing, has pleaded not guilty to two conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces under the national security law and a third count of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications in relation to his now-closed Apple Daily tabloid newspaper.
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