A Statement From Our Chairman On China’s Conviction of Jimmy Lai

By: Randall G. Schriver |

The Institute for Indo-Pacific Security strongly condemns the conviction of Chee-ying Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy Hong Kong businessman. Lai’s conviction on fabricated charges of conspiracy and collusion with foreign forces reflects the hostility with which Beijing treats its citizens’ independent expression and further belies any shred of integrity remaining in Hong Kong’s autonomy as was promised by the 1984 UK-China Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong and in the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement.

Lai’s conviction on these unfounded charges, combined with his detention in solitary confinement in recent years, demonstrate Beijing’s wanton disregard for human rights and rule of law.  We urge the Trump administration to protest Lai’s conviction and his continuing imprisonment, to use appropriate measures to impose costs on Beijing and Hong Kong for this gross violation of human rights, and we call on the authorities in Hong Kong to release Mr. Lai so that he may be reunited with his loved ones. 

The Honorable Randall G. Schriver

Chairman
The Institute for Indo-Pacific Security