Jimmy Lai in headlines again as Hong Kong’s media financier faces renewed crackdown; jailed founder of Next Digital and Giordano, odds stacked.
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 completed a two‑day state visit to Beijing with US business chiefs, holding talks with Xi Jinping on trade, Taiwan, Iran and AI. Leaders have agreed to set up trade and investment councils; Trump has touted unspecified "fantastic" deals including a reported 200‑plane Boeing order while Chinese statements remain cautious.
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.
British MPs press Foreign Secretary on the detention of Jagtar Singh Johal in India; UN experts condemn the imprisonment as arbitrary, urging action as India-UK talks unfold.