International pressure is intensifying on Beijing to free imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, with the world's leading democracies issuing a unified demand for his immediate release.
G7 Nations Unite in Condemnation
The G7 group, including the UK, US, and Germany, delivered a forceful joint statement on Friday 19 December 2025, condemning the conviction of the 78-year-old British national. The statement expressed profound concern over what it described as the rapid erosion of rights, freedoms, and autonomy in Hong Kong.
Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was found guilty of sedition and collusion with foreign forces. He faces the severe prospect of a life sentence. The G7 collectively labelled the legal proceedings as a fundamental breach of international norms.
UK Takes Diplomatic Action
In a significant escalation of the diplomatic row, the UK government summoned China's ambassador to formally protest Lai's prosecution. British officials characterised the case as being 'politically motivated', directly challenging the legitimacy of the Hong Kong court's verdict.
The move underscores the UK's particular stake in the affair, given Lai's status as a British national. It represents one of the most direct confrontations between London and Beijing over Hong Kong's legal framework since the handover.
China's Firm Rejection
The Chinese government issued a swift and unequivocal rebuke to the G7 intervention. Beijing denounced the joint statement as 'crude interference' in China's internal affairs and dismissed the criticisms as 'irresponsible remarks'.
This response reinforces China's longstanding position that Hong Kong matters are solely its own concern, and it rejects any foreign commentary on its judicial processes. The standoff highlights the deepening geopolitical fissures over the future of the semi-autonomous territory.
Wider Implications for Hong Kong
The case of Jimmy Lai has become a focal point in the international assessment of Hong Kong's status. His conviction under the territory's national security laws is seen by Western capitals as a bellwether for the suppression of dissent and press freedom.
With former US President Donald Trump revealing he had personally discussed Lai's release with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, stating 'I feel so badly', the issue continues to resonate at the highest levels of global politics. The concerted G7 action signals a coordinated effort to maintain diplomatic pressure on China, setting the stage for further tensions.
