Last week, the country’s foreign ministry described him as “one of the most notorious anti-China elements bent on destabilizing Hong Kong and a mastermind of the riots that took place in Hong Kong." “Dad staying in Hong Kong is really proof that this intangible thing called liberty is a thing that people yearn for," he said. Born in the mainland Chinese city of Guangzhou, Lai was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat at age 12. His Hong Kong publications became a bellwether for media freedoms in Hong Kong after the former British territory returned to Chinese control in 1997. Hong Kong and Chinese authorities have bristled at criticism over the Lai case.

Source: Wall Street Journal December 18, 2023 11:47 UTC