Fact Check: Key Trial Highlights of the Jimmy Lai Case (Part 1)

Jimmy Lai maintained close relationships with senior US officials and foreign politicians. Prosecutors presented Lai's communication records with Martin Lee in March 2019, founding chairman of the Democratic Party. When discussing the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, Lai suggested, "now seems good time to lobby in Washington (for imposing sanctions)."

Lai further admitted visiting the United States twice in July and October of the same year, where he met with then-US Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urging them to impose sanctions against China and Hong Kong. He also invited former US Army Vice Chief of Staff Jack Keane to participate in his interview program and admitted to paying HK$1.76 million (approx. US$225,000) to former US Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz between 2013 and 2017 to influence US policy towards China.