Washington, May 8: Over 100 U.S. lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to press Chinese President Xi Jinping for the release of Jimmy Lai, a media tycoon and pro-democracy activist imprisoned in Hong Kong. The lawmakers expressed concern over the deteriorating health of the 78-year-old Lai.
In a joint letter led by Representative Chris Smith and Senator Rick Scott, they highlighted that Lai’s 20-year sentence under Hong Kong’s national security law is effectively a life sentence.
The letter, sent on May 7, stated, “When you meet with Xi Jinping, please raise the issue of political prisoner Jimmy Lai and demand his release.”
Signatories include prominent figures from both parties, such as Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, Ro Khanna, Tom Cotton, Cory Booker, Tim Kaine, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Amy Klobuchar.
Jimmy Lai is the founder of the now-defunct newspaper ‘Apple Daily’ and is seen as a significant symbol in the fight against the suppression of dissent in Hong Kong.
The lawmakers noted, “On February 9, 2026, 78-year-old Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison under Hong Kong’s national security law. Given his age and health, this sentence is akin to spending the rest of his life in prison.”
They described the situation as a humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for Lai’s release on humanitarian grounds. Lai, a devout Catholic and successful businessman, has been in custody for the past five years, much of which has been spent in solitary confinement.
The letter also pointed out that his health has worsened during his imprisonment. Lawmakers warned that continued isolation and poor prison conditions could lead to permanent damage.
Chris Smith, co-chair of the U.S.-China Commission, stated that Trump has a rare opportunity to speak directly with Xi Jinping. He urged, “Considering Jimmy Lai’s advancing age and declining health, we appeal to President Trump to demand his humanitarian release during the meeting with Xi.”
Lawmakers called for Lai’s immediate release on humanitarian grounds so he can receive proper medical care and reunite with his family. They noted that Lai’s family and supporters have indicated that if released, he would leave Hong Kong and withdraw from public life. They described this as a practical way to reunite the family and prevent a tragic end to the situation.
Smith has long advocated for Lai’s release and has led several congressional hearings on the misuse of the national security law in Hong Kong and China. During the 2026 State of the Union address, Lai’s daughter, Claire, was a guest of Smith. Previously, in 2023, Lai’s son, Sebastian, testified before Congress regarding the situation of political prisoners in Hong Kong.
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