Hong Kong seizes assets linked to Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy media mogul jailed for his activism. Lai founded Apple Daily and faces 20-year sentence.
On February 26-27, 2026, Hong Kong courts sentenced Kwok Yin-sang, father of pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok, to eight months for attempting to withdraw funds from her insurance policy, marking the first conviction under the 2024 national security law targeting family members. Separately, Jimmy Lai's 2022 fraud conviction was overturned, though he remains imprisoned under a 20-year national security sentence.
Hong Kong activist Chow faces up to 10 years for peaceful Tiananmen vigil. She challenges prison dress code, continuing her legal fight despite bail denial. The case highlights ongoing suppression of dissent since the 2020 security law enforcement crackdown.
Hong Kong has implemented new rules requiring travelers and residents to provide passwords and decryption assistance to police, with penalties including jail and fines. The changes, announced on March 23, are part of broader national security law enforcement measures, raising concerns over privacy and civil liberties.
Hong Kong authorities have taken steps against Jimmy Lai's associates, including de-registering companies linked to Lai and arresting bookstore staff for selling a biography of Lai. These actions follow Lai's 20-year sentence for collusion and sedition, raising concerns over increasing repression of dissent in the city.
Hong Kong authorities have issued a writ to seize assets linked to Jimmy Lai, including bank accounts, properties, and shares, as part of a national security case. Lai, a prominent critic of China, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The seizure hearing is scheduled for July.
President Trump has travelled to Beijing for a two‑day summit with Xi Jinping (May 14-15, 2026). Talks have focused on the Iran war, trade truce and narrow commercial deals — farm purchases and Boeing jets — and Taiwan; Trump has signalled he does not want Taiwan to declare formal independence and left U.S. defence commitments ambiguous.
Hong Kong democracy advocate Jimmy Lai remains imprisoned amid a wider security crackdown, while a journalist from Guangming Daily faces a severe prison term; family and rights groups are urging medical parole and international pressure ahead of high-stakes talks between Trump and Xi.
Trump has been meeting Xi Jinping in Beijing on a visit that seeks to stabilise the China-US relationship, with discussions focusing on trade, Iran and Taiwan. A small business delegation accompanies him, and both sides have signalled a desire to extend the trade truce and discuss future cooperation.
Trump has arrived in Beijing with a tech-focused delegation for talks with Xi Jinping. Ratner accompanies the trip to scout for Rush Hour 4 filming locations, while executives from major tech firms are present. The discussions centre on trade, Iran, and Taiwan, with some hints about potential film projects pending outcomes.