The recent conviction of Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s most famous dissident, on alleged national security offenses was the end of a process set in motion years ago by the Chinese Communist Party. Lai, who could have sought safety in another country, chose to stay and fight.
Jimmy Lai leaves the Court of Final Appeal after his bail was denied in Hong Kong, February 9, 2021. Credit: Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images
The Chinese Communist Party finally got its man on December 15, when Hong Kong’s High Court found Jimmy Lai guilty of “collusion” with foreign forces and conspiring to publish “seditious articles.”
An excerpt from the verdict delivered by Hong Kong's Court of First Instance. Credit: Legal Reference System
But the conviction of Lai, the self-made entrepreneur and pro-democracy media publisher, was in fact an anti-climax — a footnote in a long and carefully orchestrated exercise
Exclusive longform investigative journalism, Q&As, news and analysis, and data on Chinese business elites and corporations. We publish China scoops you won't find anywhere else.
A weekly curated reading list on China from Andrew Peaple.
A daily roundup of China finance, business and economics headlines.
We offer discounts for groups, institutions and students. Go to our Subscriptions page for details.
After years of planning and investment, robotaxis are finally hitting the road in China. Accidents and the impact of self-driving vehicles on employment remain concerns, but the government remains committed to developing the industry into a global leader.
China’s five-year long property market woes have transformed the sector, but there are signs the government is determined to arrest the slide this year.
The economist explains why local governments’ debt woes are the key to China’s economic issues, and why the country could do with more Taylor Swift concerts.
Now on podcast platforms everywhere, The Wire China hits the airwaves to take you behind the scenes of the stories we cover each week. We are dedicated to understanding and explaining one of the biggest stories of our time: China’s economic rise and its influence on the world.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy policy
