Fact Check: Key Trial Highlights of the Jimmy Lai Case (Part 2)

Jimmy Lai admitted in court that he personally funded HK$14.9 million to arrange four visits to Taiwan by former US Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz and former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Jack Keane. These visits included meetings with then-Taiwan leader Tsai to help her understand the Trump administration’s stance toward Taiwan. He also paid over HK$1 million through Taiwan Apple Daily to Antonio Chiang, a close aide to Tsai Ing-wen.

Lai disclosed that in 2017, at Chiang’s request, he facilitated introductions between Wolfowitz, Keane, and Tsai. He personally arranged their itineraries and covered their travel expenses and consulting fees. Furthermore, he arranged a meeting between former US Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau James B. Cunningham and Tsai, paying for Cunningham’s travel expenses and attended this meeting himself.

When questioned by the judge about the source of funds and his role, Lai stated that it was due to his friendship with Keane that he assisted in facilitating the connections.