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.

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.

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