Jimmy Lai Trial: Foreign Collusion and Media Influence

Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, the former media mogul and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, is on trial in Hong Kong facing charges of collusion with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials. Lai has denied allegations of acting on suggestions from former US consul-general James Cunningham to influence media coverage and US-Hong Kong relations, including an extradition bill in 2019. He acknowledged engaging with US officials but denied acting as a 'middleman' between the United States and Taiwan, asserting his actions were transparent and not intended to influence foreign policy. Lai's defense argues he provided assistance to Taiwan on foreign policy matters, but insists it was not as an agent for either the US or Taiwan. Prosecutors allege Lai paid US figures for consulting services to assist Taiwan, aiming to influence international sanctions against Hong Kong and Beijing. The trial, heavily scrutinized for its implications on press freedom, is ongoing at West Kowloon Court.