Xi Jinping's US visit prompts calls for release of religious prisoners

religious freedom Jimmy Lai Xi Jinping Donald Trump political prisoners

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s scheduled visit to Washington on September 24, 2026, human rights advocates and religious freedom commissions are urging President Donald Trump to prioritize the release of political and religious prisoners in China.

Prominent calls have been made for the release of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, who is serving a 20-year sentence. His son, Sebastien Lai, testified before a congressional commission, pleading for his father's release on humanitarian grounds due to his age and his daughter's health struggles. Other individuals identified for release by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) include the Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and several other faith leaders.

Additionally, families of American citizens detained in China, such as Min Zin and Youlin Chen, have appealed for presidential intervention. Advocates note that while Trump previously secured the release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri during a May summit, many other detainees remain in custody. Human rights organizations have issued open letters to the Chinese leadership, calling for an end to transnational repression and the protection of religious and civic rights.

Entities

Chinese Communist Party · Donald Trump · Jimmy Lai · Sam Brownback · Sebastien Lai · US Commission on International Religious Freedom · USCIRF · Xi Jinping

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C. on September 24, 2026. catholicmasses.org · tribunechretienne.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.nchrd.org · www.osvnews.com · +4 more
[● 2 SOURCES] The U.S. State Department considers Min Zin and Youlin Chen to be wrongfully detained in China. www.mediafax.ro · www.independent.co.uk
[● 4 SOURCES] President Trump secured the release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri following a meeting with Xi Jinping in May. tribunechretienne.com · yespunjab.com · www.mediafax.ro · www.independent.co.uk
[● 4 SOURCES] Sebastien Lai appealed for the release of his father, Jimmy Lai, on humanitarian grounds during a congressional hearing. ca.news.yahoo.com · www.osvnews.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · www.independent.co.uk
[● 4 SOURCES] A Hong Kong court sentenced Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison in February following a conviction under a national security law. ca.news.yahoo.com · www.osvnews.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · www.independent.co.uk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The USCIRF identified the Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, as one of the religious prisoners to be released. yespunjab.com
[● 4 SOURCES] President Trump previously raised Jimmy Lai's case with Xi Jinping during a state visit to China in May. ca.news.yahoo.com · www.osvnews.com · www.mediafax.ro · www.independent.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged President Trump to advocate for the release of religious prisoners during his meeting with President Xi Jinping. catholicmasses.org · tribunechretienne.com · yespunjab.com