Zhang Jianhong Joins Mainland Tour After Jimmy Lai Case, Praises China's Tech
HK01 · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Zhang Jianhong, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces as a prosecution witness in Jimmy Lai's national security case, joined a Correctional Services Department mainland experience tour on Sunday, November 1, 2026. During interviews with Phoenix TV, Zhang expressed excitement about China's autonomous driving technology, stating he felt proud as a Chinese person to experience such advanced national technology . The tour, led by Correctional Services Superintendent (Special Duties) Lin Cilian, included other rehabilitated persons who participated in the 2019 anti-extradition protests, some of whom remain under supervision orders .
Key Points
- Zhang Jianhong admitted to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and served as a prosecution witness in the Jimmy Lai case, receiving a reduced sentence of 6 years and 9 months
- Zhang told Phoenix TV he was excited to see autonomous driving technology, expressing pride in experiencing China's strong technological capabilities
- Tour leader Lin Cilian noted some rehabilitated persons held deep-rooted biases against the nation, requiring diverse and concrete experiences to change their impressions
- A participant using the pseudonym Ah Jie said he regretted participating in anti-government activities and joined the tour to learn about resistance history and modern technology
- Zhang was originally expected to be released in 2028, with the court reducing his total sentence by 8 years and 3 months due to mitigating factors including good character
Why It Matters
The participation of high-profile national security offenders in rehabilitation programs underscores Hong Kong's efforts to reintegrate former protesters into mainstream society through exposure to national development. This approach highlights the government's strategy of using firsthand experience of mainland technological and historical achievements to reshape perceptions among young people who participated in the 2019 protests.
The participation of high-profile national security offenders in rehabilitation programs underscores Hong Kong's efforts to reintegrate former protesters into mainstream society through exposure to national development. This approach highlights the government's strategy of using firsthand experience of mainland technological and historical achievements to reshape perceptions among young people who participated in the 2019 protests.