Chairs’ Statement Condemning Jimmy Lai’s Conviction

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chair and Cochair respectively of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), released the following statement on the conviction of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong:

“We condemn the ongoing prosecution of Jimmy Lai and so many others in Hong Kong, who are detained simply for exercising their God-given freedoms. We urge the Hong Kong authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Jimmy Lai and end political prosecutions that criminalize fundamental rights and expose the crumbling foundations of the rule of law in Hong Kong.”

The 2025 Annual Report details developments in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China, including actions that undermine fundamental freedoms, due process, and the rule of law. For additional context on the Jimmy Lai prosecution see the Report’s chapter on “Hong Kong and Macau.”