16th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) Jimmy Lai, the founder of Next Digital media, alongside three affiliated companies, is currently embroiled in a legal battle facing multiple charges under the Hong Kong National Security Law. As the trial enters its 119th day, Lai continues to defend himself against accusations of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials.
During the proceedings on 16th January, Lai acknowledged his connections with prominent American military figures, including former Vice Chief of Staff Jack Keane and former Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz. He admitted to arranging a meeting between these individuals and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to discuss the United States’ stance on Taiwan, an arrangement he funded personally.
Lai’s defence commenced with a series of questions from his barrister, Steven Kwan, who highlighted Lai’s resilience in the face of adversity. Following a period of incarceration for fraud charges in December 2020, Lai was quoted in the Apple Daily as encouraging his colleagues to “fight on” despite the risks involved in continuing operations under duress.
As the prosecution began cross-examining Lai, they probed into his relationships with Keane and Wolfowitz. Lai confirmed various methods of communication with Keane, who has close ties to former President Donald Trump, and acknowledged hiring Wolfowitz in 2013 to explore business opportunities in Myanmar. Lai described both men as close friends.
Lai revealed that during a 2017 meeting, he introduced Keane and Wolfowitz to President Tsai at her request for insights on the Trump administration’s approach to Taiwan. He noted the need for confidentiality surrounding the trip, indicating that media coverage could jeopardise the meeting’s purpose. The prosecution questioned the rationale behind this secrecy, particularly why he personally financed Keane rather than the Taiwanese government.
Lai defended his actions by explaining the sensitive nature of Keane and Wolfowitz’s roles, asserting that their travel to Taiwan required approval from the U.S. government. He maintained that his financial support was merely an act of friendship and that Taiwan was unaware of his payments.
The prosecution contends that Lai’s introductions were intended to provide military advice to Taiwan and to facilitate diplomatic channels with the United States, allegations that Lai has firmly denied.
The post Prosecution questions Jimmy Lai, admits funding U.S. officials’ meeting with Tsai Ing-wen appeared first on Dimsum Daily.
English (US) ·