President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan stands firm in democratic freedoms defense following the sentencing of Hong Kong media founder Jimmy Lai. He warned that recent events show democracy and liberty remain fragile under authoritarian pressure. Meanwhile, speaking in Taipei on Tuesday, Lai addressed concerns over Lai’s 20-year prison sentence. He described the ruling as a serious warning for democratic societies and emphasized that freedom requires constant vigilance.
Regarding Hong Kong’s legal system, the president said the case demonstrates the collapse of the “one country, two systems” framework. Moreover, he argued that the promise no longer protects civil liberties and noted that Hong Kong’s courts no longer operate independently. In addition, he stated that courts now function as political tools, with authorities using legal processes to silence dissent. Consequently, this undermines freedom of speech and press and threatens public accountability.
Jimmy Lai, who founded a major media outlet, openly criticized authoritarian governance for decades. As a result, authorities detained him for more than five years. Furthermore, he endured a trial lasting nearly two years. The president explained that the process aimed to intimidate critics and discourage civic engagement, showing that the punishment serves as a warning for democratic societies worldwide.
On international commitments, Lai Ching-te accused Beijing of violating obligations made during Hong Kong’s handover. He said authorities abandoned those commitments through repression. In addition, he emphasized the global consequences, noting that the situation threatens universal values shared worldwide. Therefore, he urged democratic nations to remain vigilant and take immediate notice.
The president demanded Jimmy Lai’s immediate release and an end to politically motivated prosecutions. At the same time, he criticized the judiciary’s misuse to legitimize repression. Moreover, he urged international partners to stay alert, warning that unchecked expansion of totalitarian influence threatens human rights standards globally.
Taiwan, he said, will continue promoting democratic norms. Furthermore, the government plans to strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries to protect open societies. Analysts noted that these remarks reflect Taiwan’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a democracy advocate. This stance, however, contrasts sharply with governance models across the Taiwan Strait. Observers also highlighted economic implications, pointing out that political instability affects investor confidence and media independence. Consequently, democratic protections influence long-term economic resilience.
Human rights advocates welcomed the president’s statement, saying strong leadership encourages global accountability. In addition, they stressed that international solidarity remains vital. Looking ahead, Taiwan plans continued diplomatic engagement and intends to raise human rights concerns in global forums. Moreover, officials aim to maintain attention on political prisoners while demonstrating the island’s commitment to freedom.
President Lai emphasized that lessons learned from Hong Kong’s experience guide Taiwan’s policy direction. Therefore, he concluded that vigilance and unity are essential to safeguard democracy. As global tensions persist, Taiwan will continue standing with those seeking liberty. Leaders added that cooperation strengthens resilience, and through shared values, democratic freedoms defense will continue shaping Taiwan’s global voice.
