Mark Clifford

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.

Mark Clifford, former editor of the South China Morning Post and author of 'The Troublemaker', discusses the inspiring life of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist and political prisoner in China. They dive into Lai’s extraordinary escape from mainland China, his rise as a billionaire entrepreneur, and his courageous stand for free speech through his publication, Apple Daily. The conversation also highlights the brutal reality of Lai's prison life and the broader implications for free expression in Hong Kong amid increasing authoritarianism.