Following a recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in South Korea, it was reported that Trump urged Xi to free Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong media tycoon and critic of the Chinese government. Lai, imprisoned under Hong Kong’s National Security Law, has become a symbol of China’s crackdown on pro-democracy activists.

During their discussion, Trump expressed concern for the 77-year-old Lai's health and wellbeing. Although no specific release agreement was made, Xi acknowledged the issue. Trump suggested that releasing Lai could benefit US-China relations and improve China's global image.

Jimmy Lai is charged with conspiracy with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish inflammatory material, charges he denies. Chinese officials maintain that Lai's actions seriously harmed Hong Kong's stability and emphasize judicial independence, warning against external interference in Hong Kong affairs.

Lai, a British citizen and founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, has been incarcerated for over 1,700 days. He currently awaits a verdict that could result in a life sentence. Reports indicate that Lai suffers from heart issues, requiring monitoring and medication.