The International Press Institute (IPI) calls on U.S. President Donald Trump to prioritise the release of imprisoned journalist Jimmy Lai during his upcoming state visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Lai, who was named a 2025 IPI World Press Freedom Hero, is the founder of the now-closed pro-democracy outlet Apple Daily. The 78-year-old media mogul has been imprisoned for more than five years, most of which has been spent in solitary confinement. In February, he was sentenced to 20 years behind bars — effectively a life sentence — under Hong Kong’s draconian 2020 National Security Law.
Lai’s case has become increasingly urgent as his health rapidly deteriorates behind bars. In recent media appearances, Lai’s children have raised the alarm that Lai’s ongoing health conditions, which include heart issues, diabetes, and hypertension, are rapidly worsening.
“The campaign to free Jimmy Lai is far bigger than just one journalist — Jimmy’s fight for freedom is representative of the global struggle against the rising forces of authoritarianism,” said IPI Executive Director Scott Griffen. “IPI calls on President Trump to use all diplomatic means available to secure Jimmy’s release and send a powerful signal to the world that the U.S. is willing to stand by those fighting for the values of freedom that underpin strong, democratic societies.”
Once a beacon of free expression and a known safe haven for journalists, Hong Kong has in recent years taken a sharp authoritarian turn as Chinese authorities have gone to great lengths to stifle press freedom and democracy in the territory.
During their summit this week, Trump and Xi are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including trade and investment, artificial intelligence, and Iran and Taiwan. Trump has repeatedly commented publicly on Lai’s case. In remarks to the press this week, Trump confirmed he will raise Lai’s case directly with Xi.
In a letter sent to Trump in the days before the summit, a bipartisan group of more than 100 members of Congress, led by Senator Rick Scott and Representative Chris Smith, urged the president to secure Lai’s release.
“Securing Jimmy’s freedom is a humanitarian imperative, given his declining health,” Griffen continued. “Jimmy’s release must be a prerequisite to any agreement the U.S. and China may come to during this week’s summit. In tying Jimmy’s release to upcoming talks, Trump can secure a major diplomatic win on one of the most difficult and high-profile press freedom cases around the world.”
China has repeatedly ranked first as the world’s leading jailer of journalists, as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to curtail media freedom and censor information in the country. In addition to Lai, several prominent journalists remain behind bars, including Zhang Zhan, Dong Yuyu, and Sophia Huang Xueqin.