US Hopes China Will Respond Positively to Call for Release of Activist Lai

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 8 that the United States hopes China will respond positively regarding the fate of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai. The statement followed a direct meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which Trump requested Lai's release.

Speaking to reporters, Rubio said Washington is now waiting for a move from Beijing after Trump's appeal. He did not provide details on China's initial reaction but stressed that the US hopes for a constructive answer.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily newspaper, is currently detained in Hong Kong on charges related to national security. The case has drawn international attention, particularly amid rising tensions between the US and China.