Jimmy Lai introduced US Defense Officials to Tsai Ing-wen, court hears

Hong Kong media tycoon and founder of Next Digital, Jimmy Lai, continues to face charges related to conspiring with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials. Earlier this year, in July, three judges unanimously ruled that all charges against Lai had sufficient evidence to proceed. Lai faces two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign powers and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious materials.

During the proceedings, Lai indicated he would testify in his own defense. However, the three companies that are co-defendants in the case have chosen not to summon any witnesses. The trial, expected to last about a month, resumed today (Nov. 20) at the West Kowloon Court, temporarily serving as the High Court. Lai's wife and daughter were present in court to observe the hearing.

Introducing Former U.S. Defense Officials to Tsai Ing-wen

In court, Jimmy Lai revealed that before Tsai Ing-wen became the leader of Taiwan, he had several meetings with her through Taiwanese political commentator Antonio Chang. After learning that Tsai wanted to understand the Trump administration's stance on Taiwan, Lai said he introduced her to Jack Keane, former U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff, and Paul Wolfowitz, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Donating £20,000 to "Hong Kong Watch"

Lai also testified that he became acquainted with Benedict Rogers, founder of Hong Kong Watch, through mutual friends and shared articles. Believing that Hong Kong Watch's activities were meaningful and supportive of Hong Kong, Lai donated £20,000 to the organization as a show of support.

"Hong Kong Independence is a Crazy Idea"

When asked about Apple Daily's stance on the 2019 protests, Lai stated that the newspaper opposed violence. He described the promotion of Hong Kong independence as a conspiracy and a crazy idea that would never come to fruition. Lai emphasized that Apple Daily staff were prohibited from mentioning Hong Kong independence in the newspaper.

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