Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai on Thursday told a court trying him for colluding with foreign powers that he paid a former U.S. general to advise former Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen in late 2017, but denied seeking to endanger China's national security.

Jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai testified on Thursday that he brokered meetings between former Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and American establishment figures, with prosecutors alleging that he colluded with foreign forces.

Ex-media boss admits to payment after prosecutors challenge his claim of no foreign policy influence in Hong Kong and the mainland.

Former US general Jack Keane and ex-deputy defence secretary Paul Wolfowitz received money for consultancy services for Taiwanese government.

Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai is on trial for colluding with foreign powers. Charged under China's national security law, Lai denies allegations of endangering China's security. The trial has drawn international criticism for its perceived political motives amid China's crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.

"Since June 2020, at least 200 opposition politicians, activists, and protesters have been taken into custody on politically motivated NSL charges," said President Joe Biden.

After people took to the streets for pro-democracy protests in 2003, 2014 and 2019, Mr Lai’s papers championed the demonstrations. He protested, too, always peacefully, and held meetings with foreign officials to enlist their support,

HONG KONG - Former US vice-president Mike Pence is due to attend a high-profile business conference on Jan 16 where he is expected to discuss the US elections and its implications globally, days before the swearing in of US President-elect Donald Trump.

Hong Kong (AFP) – Jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai testified on Thursday that he brokered meetings between former Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and American establishment figures ...

HONG KONG(Reuters) - Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai on Thursday told a court trying him for colluding with foreign powers that he paid a former U.S. general to advise former Taiwan president Tsai ...

Ms Ghani is understood to have been ticked off by her boss, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle , and reminded of the convention that, as his deputy, she must avoid major public political interventions.

Set to take place this year Feb. 4-15 — one day longer than previous editions, in recognition of its milestone anniversary — the fest has become an increasingly important stop on the awards circuit.