The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg ‘The Whole Thing Is Built On Lies’ | Interview: Mark Clifford
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Nov 20, 2025 Mark Clifford, a historian and president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, dives deep into the plight of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media mogul turned dissident. He discusses Lai's 1,800-day imprisonment and the oppressive realities in Hong Kong vs. mainland China. Clifford critiques the 'two systems' promise as a deception from Beijing. He highlights Taiwan's democracy as a threat to the CCP's narrative and explores China's internal challenges, including economic strains and social cohesion. The conversation ends with a message of hope for activists like Lai.
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Jimmy Lai's Life And Imprisonment
- Jimmy Lai rose from famine survivor to Hong Kong media magnate and de facto opposition leader.
- He has spent ~1,800 days in jail, mostly solitary, facing likely life imprisonment under national security charges.
Hong Kong Becoming Mainland-Like
- Hong Kong still has superficial differences like its currency and open courts but feels increasingly like mainland cities.
- Mainland security now drives policy and punishes small acts of dissent in Hong Kong.
Two Systems Was Always Fragile
- The promise of 'one country, two systems' was never fully honored and always fragile.
- China historically couldn't tolerate independent opposition, so repression was likely from the start.
