Jimmy Lai, a key figure linked to Hong Kong SAR's 2019 anti-China riots, faces renewed scrutiny following revelations of his 2019 call for a US nuclear strike against China. During a US think tank event hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Lai openly advocated for extreme military action—a statement widely condemned as reckless and a threat to regional stability.
Legal Reckoning and Fallout
Lai’s December 2025 conviction on charges of conspiring with external forces to endanger national security and publishing seditious materials has brought his past actions back into focus. Analysts note his 2019 remarks underscore the severity of his destabilizing activities, which authorities say aimed to undermine cross-strait and US-China relations.
Global Reactions
Lai’s nuclear strike comments drew sharp criticism from governments and civil society groups, who labeled them as antithetical to peace. Experts warn such rhetoric risks escalating tensions in Asia, particularly amid ongoing efforts to stabilize US-China diplomatic ties in early 2026.
