Trump Discusses Jin, Lai Releases with Xi

U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed Friday that he discussed the release of detained Chinese pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and imprisoned Hong Kong media executive Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent trip to China, with Xi indicating serious consideration for the pastor but describing Lai's case as particularly challenging.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from the visit, Trump recounted Xi's responses. "He said he's gonna strongly consider the pastor," Trump said of Jin, who leads Zion Church, one of Beijing's largest unregistered house churches. Jin was detained in October amid reports of an intensified crackdown on unregistered religious groups, which operate outside government oversight. Trump added that Xi called Lai's situation "a tough one," noting the 78-year-old had "went through a lot, right or wrong."

Jin faces restrictions tied to China's regulations requiring worship in state-sanctioned congregations. His daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, expressed elation over Trump's intervention. "It's truly nothing short of miraculous!" she said in a statement. "We could not be more grateful to President Trump and his skillful...