Jimmy Lai denies approving proposed sanctions against Hong Kong, Beijing

Former media boss says his praise for American lobbyist’s suggestions was only meant as words of encouragement

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Former media boss Jimmy Lai in 2020. Photo: AP

Published: 7:57pm, 24 Jan 2025

Former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying has denied approving proposed sanctions against Beijing and Hong Kong in a discussion with an American lobbyist ahead of the adoption of the national security law, stressing his praise for the suggestions was only meant as encouragement.

Lai, 77, also argued on Friday that he was not sacrificing Hong Kong to “satisfy the demands of the US” by supporting the revocation of the city’s privileged trade status afforded by the world’s largest economy.

The latest session in the marathon national security trial saw prosecutors press on with their cross-examination of Lai, who is contesting two conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces and a third count of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications.

The founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily tabloid newspaper is accused of instigating Western sanctions and inciting public hatred towards authorities in the aftermath of the 2019 anti-government protests.

On the 33rd day of his verbal testimony at West Kowloon Court, Lai at one point lost patience with prosecutors over accusations regarding his anti-China stance.

“Truth seems to have no bearing on you, Mr Chau,” Lai told Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Chau Tin-hang. “You’re so free. You’re creative. You’re great as a prosecutor.”