Trump Presses Xi on Religious and Political Freedoms

US President Donald Trump urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider the release of detained pastor Ezra Jin and imprisoned Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai. While Xi might consider Jin's case, he expressed difficulty in releasing Lai, highlighting challenges around religious and political freedoms in China.

In a diplomatic exchange that highlights growing tensions over religious and political freedoms, US President Donald Trump has raised concerns with Chinese President Xi Jinping over two high-profile detentions.

Ezra Jin, a pastor of a prominent underground church, and Jimmy Lai, a veteran media mogul and pro-democracy activist, are at the center of Trump's diplomatic efforts.

Trump revealed that Xi might consider Jin's release, but referred to Lai's case as complicated, underlining the strained relations regarding China's policies on religious and political dissent.