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Billionaire Publisher Draws Attention at Center of Battle for Hong Kong

Natalie Liu

   As the world watched another mass protest Sunday in Hong Kong, many --
   including observers in Beijing -- noticed that a billionaire publisher
   was again at the head of the march. At 70 years old, there is no sign
   that Jimmy Lai is slowing down.

   Cameras captured Lai unfolding a banner and holding one end while
   30-year-old Sham Tsz Kit, head of Hong Kong's Civil Human Rights Front,
   took hold of the other end. Others helped raise the banner as the crowd
   started down the streets.

   Hong Kong's Da Kung Pao, widely known as a media outlet backed by
   Beijing, reported that Lai was urging others to keep pace during the
   march.

   During a visit to Washington earlier this month, Lai traded his protest
   wear -- a T-shirt, baseball cap and backpack -- for a business suit to
   participate in meetings with high-level U.S. officials including Vice
   President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security
   Adviser John Bolton and key members of Congress.