G7 Demands Release of Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai

The G7 group of nations has called for the immediate release of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Foreign ministers from the world's seven largest advanced economies issued a joint statement. They condemned Lai's prosecution under Hong Kong's National Security Law. The law was imposed by Beijing in 2020. Lai was found guilty under this law on December 15, 2025. The G7 ministers stated the legal action against Lai undermines rights and freedoms. These were promised to Hong Kong when it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The statement represents a rare unified diplomatic challenge to China over its governance of Hong Kong. China has consistently stated that the National Security Law is necessary for stability. It considers such prosecutions an internal matter.