Trump Says He and Xi Discussed Releasing Imprisoned China Critic
President Donald Trump revealed Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping reacted negatively when Trump personally raised the case of imprisoned Hong Kong media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai during their high-profile summit in Beijing.
Lai, 78, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after Hong Kong authorities convicted him under China’s controversial national security law on charges tied to sedition and alleged collusion with foreign forces.
Speaking during an interview on Special Report with Bret Baier, Trump described Xi’s reaction as far from encouraging.
“I brought up Jimmy Lai. I would say the response to that was not positive,” Trump said.
“He said that he’s been, you know, he said it’s been sort of his worst nightmare.”
Trump said he pressed Xi extensively on Lai’s deteriorating health and the harsh prison conditions he reportedly faces in Hong Kong.
“I said, well, I would appreciate it if you would release him. He’s gotten old and he’s probably not feeling too well, it would be nice,” Trump explained.
“I did not feel optimistic. I have to be honest with you about that one,” he added.
Lai became one of the most recognizable pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong after founding a newspaper critical of the Chinese Communist Party and Beijing’s growing control over the territory.
Chinese authorities argued his media activities undermined national stability and sovereignty.
Lai’s daughter, Claire Lai, appeared earlier this week on The Will Cain Show and expressed optimism that Trump could ultimately help secure her father’s freedom.
“I’m more hopeful than I’ve ever been that he is the president and this is the administration that will free my father,” she said.
“We are just so extremely grateful.”
Although Trump acknowledged he was unable to secure Lai’s immediate release, he pointed to what he described as a strong record negotiating the release of prisoners during both of his administrations.
Trump specifically referenced the case of Andrew Brunson, whose release from Turkey became a major diplomatic victory during Trump’s first term.
“I’ve gotten hundreds of people out,” Trump said.
“And, by the way, I don’t pay a lot of money. I don’t pay any money, like Biden, where they give $6 billion all the time to get people out.”
The Jimmy Lai dispute highlighted broader tensions between Washington and Beijing that continue despite the friendly public tone displayed during Trump’s China visit.
Another major flashpoint during the summit involved Taiwan.
Xi reportedly warned Trump that Taiwan remains the most dangerous issue in U.S.-China relations and cautioned that mishandling it could lead to “clashes and even conflicts” between the two global powers.
At the same time, Xi appeared more cooperative regarding Iran and the ongoing crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Chinese officials indicated Beijing supports keeping the vital shipping route open and opposes escalation that could destabilize global energy markets.
Despite lingering disagreements, Trump repeatedly praised Xi throughout the visit and projected optimism about the future relationship between the United States and China.
Trump called Xi “a great leader” during their meetings and predicted a “fantastic future” for bilateral ties.
Before departing Beijing for Washington, Trump also announced what he described as a major commercial breakthrough involving Boeing.
During an interview with Sean Hannity, Trump said Xi agreed to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft.
“One thing [Xi] agreed to today: he’s going to order 200 jets. That’s a big thing,” Trump said.
“Boeing — 200 big ones. That’s a lot of jobs. It’s a lot. Boeing wanted 150, he got 200.”
Specific details regarding aircraft models and delivery schedules were not immediately released.
Trump traveled to China accompanied by several major American business leaders and executives as part of broader discussions involving trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, Iran, and economic cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.