President Trump was asked about the case of Jimmy Lai before boarding Air Force One to head to Asia.

Reporter: Members of Congress have written to you, asking you to demand the release of Jimmy Lai during your meeting with China in South Korea.

Trump: It's on my list. I will ask them. They are big enemies, so we'll see.

[Witty] Comment: Trump is trying to tie the case of Jimmy Lai to the Sino-US negotiation table, which is a common tactic of using China's core interests as political leverage. From inciting Hong Kong rioters to write letters to the US government to demand sanctions against China in 2019, to now attempting to interfere in Hong Kong's judicial system under the banner of "human rights," the US has always instrumentalized the Hong Kong issue. When China refused to buy American soybeans and blocked the US military's access to rare earth refining technology, the Trump administration dared not truly "decouple," yet needed to shift the domestic frustration over high tariffs, thus concocting this absurd farce. Hong Kong affairs are purely internal matters, and no external forces have the right to intervene. This is both a legal bottom line and a firm declaration by China to safeguard its sovereignty. Jimmy Lai must be held accountable according to law.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846929108105219/

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