Sebastian Lai Calls for Australia to Prioritize Dignity over Trade in Efforts to Secure Father’s Release
‘I’m saying that they’ll buy your resources when they want to buy your resources, and once it’s not good for them to do that, they’re not going to do it.’
The son of jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai is advocating for the Australian government to uphold democratic values and not succumb to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in exchange for trade.
Jimmy Lai, aged 76, is a British citizen and a billionaire media mogul in Hong Kong.
He has been a vocal supporter of pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong and is the founder of Apple Daily, a prominent independent Chinese-language newspaper in the region that was shut down by the CCP in 2021.
He emphasized that China purchases resources from Australia based on its needs.
“It’s important to trade with China. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do that,” he stated. “I’m saying that they’ll buy your resources when they want to buy your resources, and once it’s not good for them to do that, they’re not going to do it.”
Sebastien Lai also pointed out that the CCP does not engage in trade with Australia purely for the sake of a good relationship.
“Nobody trades out of the goodness of their heart,” he added. “You should stand up for your beliefs and not trade away your people’s dignity for short-term economic gains.”
Dignity Over Trade: Lai
Speaking at the National Press Club of Australia, Sebastien Lai discussed his father’s current situation and the importance of securing his release from CCP custody.
While other countries have called for Jimmy Lai’s unconditional release, the Australian government has not taken a clear stance on the matter.
Ms. Gallagher, a human rights barrister representing Jimmy Lai, emphasized that Australia has a stake in this case as the CCP has used Australia against the media mogul.
She noted that many Australians have been affected by the National Security Law imposed on Hong Kong by the CCP, including the conviction of democracy activists, some of whom are Australian citizens.
Ms. Gallagher urged Australia to join other countries in calling for Jimmy Lai’s release, emphasizing that it is not a radical proposal and has garnered international support.
The Truth Will Win Out in the End: Lai
Sebastien Lai encouraged Australian journalists and politicians to speak out against the CCP, highlighting the importance of standing up against autocracies despite potential consequences.
“If we don’t speak out, then we let these dictators get away with doing whatever they want,” he said. “You need to tell the truth, even when it’s difficult in the short-term, because truth prevails in the long run.”
