China’s Hard Line on Jimmy Lai Undercuts Trump’s Release Bid

China’s depiction of Jimmy Lai as a “traitor” in the aftermath of his conviction on national security charges suggests efforts to seek clemency for the 78-year-old former media mogul, even if by US President Donald Trump, will face challenging odds.

After a Hong Kong court handed the pro-democracy activist a conviction carrying a possible life sentence, Chinese officials swiftly launched a fierce defense of that decision. The Apple Daily newspaper founder had “committed every manner of evil against Hong Kong and the country,” Beijing’s office overseeing Hong Kong affairs said in a commentary.