Thirteen Years Without Austin Tice
August 16, 2025
A Calculated Assault on Press Freedom
August 16, 2025
August 16, 2025 – China/USA –
President Donald Trump has promised to intervene on behalf of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who remains on trial under China’s sweeping national security law. Speaking in a radio interview, Trump stated that he would “do everything I can to save him,” making clear that Lai’s case has already been raised in official discussions. He acknowledged that taking up the matter would upset Chinese President Xi Jinping, but said that defending Lai is a matter of justice and press freedom. His remarks come as Washington and Beijing continue fragile tariff negotiations, signaling that Lai’s fate may play into larger diplomatic talks.
Jimmy Lai, 77, is the founder of Apple Daily, the now-closed pro-democracy newspaper that was one of the most influential critics of Beijing’s tightening control over Hong Kong. He has been charged with colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials, accusations that could lead to life imprisonment. The case has drawn international criticism and is widely viewed as a politically motivated attempt to crush dissent in Hong Kong.
Lai’s trial has been repeatedly delayed. This week, closing arguments were postponed once more after he suffered heart palpitations in court. Judges ordered a medical assessment before the proceedings could continue. His health struggles have intensified international concern, with rights groups warning that the conditions of his detention are contributing to his decline.
Governments, press freedom advocates, and human rights organizations have condemned the prosecution, calling it a direct attack on free expression. For many, Lai’s case represents a decisive test of whether Hong Kong’s judiciary maintains independence under Chinese oversight. They argue that silencing Lai is part of Beijing’s broader effort to eliminate political opposition and dismantle the city’s democratic institutions.
By publicly committing to “save” Lai, President Trump has elevated the case into the realm of U.S. foreign policy. Advocates hope that sustained pressure from Washington will strengthen calls for Lai’s release and increase the diplomatic cost for Beijing if the trial ends in a conviction. With the proceedings nearing conclusion, the outcome will shape not only the future of one man but also the trajectory of press freedom in Hong Kong and U.S.–China relations.
Reference –
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/13/china/trump-jimmy-lai-closing-arguments-intl-hnk
