Hong Kong's Delicate Dance: Democracy Under Scrutiny

Hong Kong's leader John Lee discussed the conviction of pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai with China's President Xi Jinping. Lai's guilty verdict of collusion with foreign forces has intensified discussions on Hong Kong's judicial independence. Lee criticized foreign media for allegedly misleading public perceptions regarding Lai's conviction.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, raised the conviction and trial of pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Following Lai's conviction of colluding with foreign forces, the case has sparked international debate on the judicial independence of Hong Kong amidst sustained government crackdowns post-2019 protests.

Lee admonished foreign media for misrepresenting the case, claiming they aimed to obscure Lai's actions and intentions, which Beijing considers a threat to its governance and influence on youth.

(With inputs from agencies.)