U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit China from May 14 to 15. More than 100 bipartisan members of the U.S. Congress have signed a joint letter urging Trump to secure the release of Hong Kong pro-democracy political prisoner Jimmy Lai.
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation (CFHK Foundation) issued a statement welcoming the bipartisan letter signed by 106 members of Congress. The letter was led by Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott and New Jersey Republican Representative Chris Smith, calling on President Trump to strongly demand at his summit with Xi Jinping that China immediately release Hong Kong political prisoner Jimmy Lai.
The letter emphasizes that the case is extremely urgent given Lai’s age (78), his deteriorating health, prolonged exposure to harsh prison conditions including long-term solitary confinement, and his recent 20-year sentence under Hong Kong’s National Security Law. It urges Trump to secure Lai’s release through humanitarian parole so he can receive proper medical care, leave Hong Kong, and reunite with his family.
Jonathan Stivers, CFHK Foundation’s U.S. director, said: “In the current political environment, it is extraordinary to have over 100 members of Congress sign a letter to the President on any issue. The strong show of bipartisan support in Congress reaffirms that Jimmy Lai’s freedom must be a top priority in U.S. policy toward China and Hong Kong. As President Trump prepares for this summit, freeing Jimmy Lai must be at the center of the agenda. There should be no deals until Jimmy Lai is free.”
Frances Hui, CFHK Foundation’s policy and advocacy manager, stated: “Every day of delay risks irreversible consequences. President Trump has raised this case with Xi before. Now, with the trial concluded and time running out, we urge him to press harder than ever to secure his immediate release.”
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KK, the chair of the Toronto Hong Kong Parents Association, said that most U.S. lawmakers in both parties have long supported Hong Kong. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others have consistently called for Lai’s release, for which the group expressed gratitude. She said bipartisan support sends a strong message of unity in the United States against repression.
Since running for office, Trump has repeatedly mentioned efforts to free Jimmy Lai, describing the matter as “very easy.” The association hopes he will fulfill his promise by raising the issue directly with China and Xi Jinping, and even bring Lai back to the United States.
If Lai is not released after the U.S.–China summit, the group will decide its next steps based on the outcome: celebrate success or continue further advocacy efforts if unsuccessful. KK noted that the case has created a climate of fear and chilling effects in Hong Kong, especially among young people and pro-democracy supporters. She said freedom of speech and press freedom in Hong Kong have effectively been lost. She also pointed to the appointment of a police official, Tse Chun-chung, as Director of Information Services as evidence of increasing militarization of governance.
Response and outlook from overseas Hong Kong communities
The 106-member bipartisan letter includes major political figures such as Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Select Committee on China Chair John Moolenaar, reflecting rare bipartisan consensus on Hong Kong human rights issues.
Trump has previously stated he would raise the Lai case at the summit and had also mentioned it during a meeting with Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea in October last year. Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, recently told Voice of America that the president is the only person capable of securing his father’s release, adding that the decision lies within Xi Jinping’s power and could be done “in two hours.”
As the U.S.–China summit approaches, overseas Hong Kong democracy groups continue to urge that Lai’s release be made a central issue, pushing for humanitarian grounds for his immediate release so he can receive medical care and reunite with his family.
By Li Ting, Vision Times
