Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai on Thursday told a court trying him for colluding with foreign powers that he paid a former U.S. general to advise former Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen in late 2017, but denied seeking to endanger China's national security.

Former US general Jack Keane and ex-deputy defence secretary Paul Wolfowitz received money for consultancy services for Taiwanese government.

Jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai testified on Thursday that he brokered meetings between former Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and American establishment figures, with prosecutors alleging that he colluded with foreign forces.

Ex-media boss admits to payment after prosecutors challenge his claim of no foreign policy influence in Hong Kong and the mainland.

Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai is on trial for colluding with foreign powers. Charged under China's national security law, Lai denies allegations of endangering China's security. The trial has drawn international criticism for its perceived political motives amid China's crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.

"Since June 2020, at least 200 opposition politicians, activists, and protesters have been taken into custody on politically motivated NSL charges," said President Joe Biden.

Prosecutors have accused jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai of paying two former US officials US$3.25 million to brief ex-Taiwan leader Tsai-Ing wen.

Apple Daily’s lease did not require Jimmy Lai to declare the operations of a consultancy firm at the office, an appeals court has heard.

After people took to the streets for pro-democracy protests in 2003, 2014 and 2019, Mr Lai’s papers championed the demonstrations. He protested, too, always peacefully, and held meetings with foreign officials to enlist their support,

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is due to attend a high-profile business conference on Thursday where he is expected to discuss the U.S. elections and its implications globally, days before the swearing in of U.

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai testified in a Hong Kong court, admitting to facilitating meetings between and Tsai administrations in 2017.

HONG KONG - Former US vice-president Mike Pence is due to attend a high-profile business conference on Jan 16 where he is expected to discuss the US elections and its implications globally, days before the swearing in of US President-elect Donald Trump.