Jimmy Lai plotted to trigger mainland China’s collapse and install US-style democracy, Hong Kong court hears

Paralegal turned prosecution witness Wayland Chan says Apple Daily founder shared plan to influence foreign governments during meeting in Taipei in January 2020

‘Jimmy Lai said, according to historical experience, China’s implosion would happen very soon because the Chinese government mobilised many resources to monitor citizens,’ Chan adds

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Jimmy Lai is standing trial on two conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces and a third count of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 12:51pm, 19 Apr 2024Updated: 7:03pm, 19 Apr 2024

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying sought to trigger mainland China’s political and economic collapse by influencing other nations’ foreign policies, paving the way for the introduction of American-style democracy, a court has heard.

Paralegal turned prosecution witness Wayland Chan Tsz-wah said on Friday the Apple Daily founder shared his anti-China strategy with him during a meeting at the mogul’s villa in Yangmingshan, Taipei, in January 2020.

“Jimmy Lai said, according to historical experience, China’s implosion would happen very soon because the Chinese government mobilised many resources to monitor citizens,” Chan told the West Kowloon Court.

The witness testified at the mogul’s national security trial that Lai expected the country’s gross domestic product to plummet by 40 per cent due to the strategy, creating the best opportunity to push for democratic reforms.

The now-closed Apple Daily Building in Tseung Kwan O. Photo: May Tse

The tycoon also laid out his four-step plan to steer foreign governments’ China policies in his favour, Chan added. Successful lobbying, according to Lai, first called for the dissemination of information about the city abroad.