Trump Urges Xi to Consider Releasing Jailed Hong Kong Tycoon Jimmy Lai. US President Donald Trump says he has personally asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping to consider releasing Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist recently convicted under the city's national security law. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he felt "very badly" for Lai, describing the 78-year-old as unwell and elderly. He did not say when the request was raised with Xi, adding only, "We'll see what happens.” Lai, a British citizen, has been behind bars since December 2020 and faces a possible life sentence after being found guilty of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. The UK government echoed Trump's call, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemning the verdict as politically motivated and demanding Lai's immediate release. China has rejected foreign criticism, insisting the case is a matter of law, while rights groups warn Lai's health is deteriorating and fear he could die in prison.