Does anyone believe for a moment that the president of the USA will do the right thing? And don't we all know that if he accidentally does the right thing for a little while, he will certainly reverse course in order to perversely make sure that he does the wrong thing, for the sake of throwing his weight around, creating chaos and uncertainty, and then exploiting it?
21
So when Trump finally makes a move regarding Hong Kong, it's not to represent America's traditional support of democracy, but it's because Trump sees it might help Trump in his ill-conceived, poorly implemented trade war.
Trump is not a deal maker. He's a parasite.
29
Unfortunately, thanks to three years of the Trump administration we no longer have much moral authority or capital left. Trump has increasingly isolated the United States and turned us into an object of disgust and ridicule. It was one of the things so many experienced state department experts warned us about with Trump. Well, now we're here.
26
What did Obama ever do about China except give them more ground and concessions on trade? What did he get from them in return except their disrespect? Or don’t you recall how they refused to provide a stairway for AF One when he landed there forcing him to exit from the back of the plane? To add insult to injury, no major official was there to welcome him. When Susan Rice complained, she was told, “You’re in our country now.” As Trump later commented, they should never have tolerated the humiliation but turned the plane around. In Trump’s case, the Chinese knew they were dealing with a different animal not someone who relies on his State Department flunkies, so when AF One rolled in on his first visit, they gave him a royal welcome, and Xi was there to greet him personally. The Chinese are very crafty and good at judging people so they were probably just trying to appeal to Trump’s vanity, but he has proven to be a hard bargainer who is not susceptible to mere flattery. In the present situation with Trump shifting his position in favor of the Hong Kong protestors, the Chinese will sit up and take notice. He is Trump. Unpredictable and somewhat dangerous. They have to be concerned. They also know that if there’s another Tiananmen Square, they will lose their standing in the world. So are they feeling lucky?
3
@Edward President Obama attempted to bound China by aligning with its neighbors via the Trans-Pacific Partnership. President Trump appears to have thought that if he just walked in and told the Chinese what he wanted, they’d give it to him. That turned out not to be the case.
14
Well, Obama created the TPP as a trade organization that pointedly excluded China and gave the US and the world the means to pressure China. But Trump withdrew from it.
You’re congratulating Trump for getting us into a war while ignoring that he’s losing it for us. The nobility of losing; is that what Trump promised you? Or did he promise winning?
15
The people of Hong Kong, as do the people of Taiwan, deserve our full support. We tend to be so impressed with China's economic development and with the trade opportunities China provides, that we forget that they are an authoritarian regime that thinks nothing of oppressing its own people when it is in the communist party's interest. The culture in Hong Kong is not the same as mainland China. Its extremely sad to see such a vibrant and flourishing society brought under a Chinese boot.
It's unfortunate that this revolt is happening during the incumbency of such an unscrupulous, immoral and unreliable American president. Trumps words mean nothing. He will say one thing now and whine that he meant something completely different five minutes from now. Regardless of what platitudes Trump might now offer to the people of Hong Kong, we all know that these words will be denied the minute China decides to buy some grain from Trump's farmers.
39
Trump's late attempt to link Hong Kong's fate to his Trade War will almost surely harden China's already fairly stiff stance.
Trump seems to think that tariffs will cause China to buckle and give in to his demands.
A sadly incorrect assumption. China is already ignoring Trump, and will give him a bit of lip service til he is gone.
They have no problem letting American companies pay Trump's tariff, watching us punish ourselves with far more economic damage than Trump's good and easy Trade Wars ever had to offer.
We've alreay lost this Trade War. It's up to the next President to make an honorable peace.
46
There is no precedent for anyone to take seriously a Trump concern for human rights anywhere in the world, even in his own country. The motives are so transparent as to be meaningless for negotiations with China.
78
Being the King of Israel and the Second Coming for Jews, Mr. Trump should encourage the Chinese government to treat the Hong Kong protesters with the same restraint the Israeli government shows to Palestinians demanding separation from Israel.
13
But imprisoning millions of Uighers in ghettos? "Meh."
2
Another example of trump having no principles; if he thought he could get a trade deal done with China, he'd support a crackdown on the Hong Kong protesters. It shows that he'd sell his, or America's, soul to the devil to get a deal done. There is no constancy in any of his positions; no allies, no enemies, everything is transactional, it's all business. So SAD!
1
China knows all it has to do in order to get trump on their side is let him build a tower in Hong Kong. Let him build tower attached to the Great Wall of China and he’ll throw America under a bus in a trade deal.
1
I am with those who think trying HK to a trade deal will backfire.
While I understand the concerns on human rights - HK is an anomaly in that if is an integral part of China and has been for ever - despite a short few years of occupation by Brits.
If I were Chinese - what would gall me is theses HK folks having these faux brit passports which China does not recognize nor most of the world. Heck, these brit passports don't even allow them unlimited visit to britain.
These faux passports make HK folks think they are not part of China.
And to China - that is simply not acceptable.
Sooner of later those 50 years of autonomous rule or however long China promised during the handover are going to end.
So, it isnot like HK status as we know it is permanent.
To me, HK is asking for what it refuses to accept - they are part and parcel of China.
Now, it is possible that detractors of POTUS may hang HK around his neck like he hangs Crimea around Obama neck - but that's just the way the world turns.
POTUS will find he is living in interesting times.
@Neil Are you really blaming the people of Hong Kong for preferring freedom to CCP rule?
2
I am with those who think trying HK to a trade deal will backfire.
While I understand the concerns on human rights - HK is an anomaly in that if is an integral part of China and has been for ever - despite a short few years of occupation by Brits.
If I were Chinese - what would gall me is theses HK folks having these faux brit passports which China does not recognize nor most of the world. Heck, these brit passports don't even allow them unlimited visit to britain.
These faux passports make HK folks think they are not part of China.
And to China - that is simply not acceptable.
Sooner of later those 50 years of autonomous rule or however long China promised during the handover are going to end.
So, it isnot like HK status as we know it is permanent.
To me, HK is asking for what it refuses to accept - they are part and parcel of China.
Now, it is possible that detractors of POTUS may hang HK around his neck like he hangs Crimea around Obama neck - but that's just the way the world turns.
POTUS will find he is living in interesting times.
Do I understand Mr Trump's position correctly? Cave a bit on our trade demands and we'll resume our indifference for concerns about democracy. Maybe we should hope for abject failure in trade talks?
Talented politicians can sometimes figure out how to have it both ways, but what’s really impressive is how Donald Trump can consistently manage to blow it both ways. Supporting the pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong who are peacefully protesting against a brutal communist dictatorship is a no-brainer because it’s the right thing to do. If Trump’s going to blow that, which he did, and reduce “solidarity” with the protesters to mere leverage in his floundering trade negotiations, he needed to feign support for democracy from the very beginning—but instead he figured it out way too late, making it painfully obvious to the Chinese that his sudden “change of heart” about Hong Kong was just a failed negotiating tactic from a desperate chump.
Really, could he be any worse at this??
3
agree or disagree with him doing so, I think we all can agree with saying: duh?
it actually took the really stable genius and master negotiator this long to figure that out?
what we need in this time are fewer geniuses....
4
Self interest is Trump’s guiding principle. All actions by this administration are taken, from this week forward, with an eye towards the 2020 Presidential election rather than in the interest of the United States which his oath of office he has been sworn to protect.
5
Yes, shrewd people skills blossoming everywhere on this one. This is just like that time on The Apprentice when Donald played the upper hand with Gary Busey. Plus, Ivanka and Tucker Carlson have probably been weighing in.
I think, in the end result, it would be best for all concerned if we buy Hong Kong. Problem solved. Stable genius for the win.
6
@Jay yeah, forget Greenland. This is much better financially.
We all know what China has been doing to Hong Kong. Why didn't the "chosen one" speak out weeks ago? He is so ignorant it makes my hair hurt. What a mess. China needs to chill.
7
Clouding economic negotiations with a veneer of concern for the civil rights of HK citizens does nothing to facilitate a trade agreement. Trump is quite right that the Chinese read Trump's poll numbers and U.S economic indicators. Arm sales to Taiwan and HK commentary just steels the Chinese populace to support Xi and to tolerate their own financial distress. Who do you think has more leverage in this parlay: a CCP that controls all national economic activity or Trump who is busy grubbing for campaign funds in phone calls from demented NRA leaders and their ilk?
6
Why is this article written as if it’s about some clever negotiation strategy? No credit where no credit is due.
12
Hoping China will make him look good on a trade deal if he the sells HKers down the river.
9
Oh great, meddle. That always goes well
8
Trump himself has absolutely no clue as to what is going on in Hong Kong and absolutely no curiosity about it. As usual, the Times seeks to normalize him.
15
@Wm. Blake
Satire noted.
1
What a crock. As we have seen on so many issues, Trump's positions change by the day, or even minute, whatever is best for him, others be damned. If he gets something from China, he'll change his tune, spouting off about those terrible protesters. It's all about Don.
20
When you can’t tell if it’s a Trump supporter or a parody, that tells you something.
25
Wow Trump is playing checkers when the rest of the world is playing chess. This is bad. We need a new president.
18
As an American living and working in Hong Kong for over eight years now I find that I can’t properly express my contempt for 45, let alone who he’s dealing with. However there are a couple of takeaways.
The idea expressed that, if there’s going to a Tiananmen Square like a massacre, it’s going to make dealing with the Chinese government “harder”. Yeah, not impossible. That should tell you everything you need to know. Tyranny? Fine. If I catch a break. Fine.
I will always contend that human primates are hardwired to hate corruption,....unless it benefits them personally. That’s hardwiring that can very well lead to well deserved extinction. If they don’t understand why it’s because they lack imagination, which is another good reason to no longer be eligible for the census.
7
Funny, everything Trump does seems to be "MANUFACTURED" and like an "ILLUSION". All fake, hype and trickery on his part. He is so transparent and obvious, eh? Does he have a personality issue?
8
Trump is a terrible negotiator using bullying as his method. China has no time limit and Trump has an election at hand. Trump has no leverage and China will wait him out. His tactics have lost this battle already. Trump is a loser at trade and much more!
11
Shrewd move by Trump.
2
Hopefully, the Chinese - like everyone else - is no longer paying attention to Trump. (Everyone should carry on as if Trump will change his mind in 15 minutes, or some aide will steal a memo from his desk, or, eventually, he'll get thrown out of office.)
Because I cannot think of anything scarier than the very unstable non-genius stepping on the deepest phobia of the Chinese: separatism and dismemberment. We might get a war in the Taiwan Straits before the next election.
5
"...the self-governing island of Taiwan."
Wouldn't it be briefer and more accurate to simply say "the country of Taiwan"?
5
Whenever I think of human rights, or taxidermy, I think of Mike Pence.
6
Trump could lay down in front of Tiananmen Square and it would not make a penny's worth of difference. China has his number and holds his debt. No matter what Trump says on TV, in the room with Chinese leaders he's low man on the totem pole.
9
@Tom
The debt was set down long before Trump. More like Obama's?
He's making adjustment because his team compels him to, but Trump loves strongmen, he wishes to be U.S. dictator and nobody can tell him what to do. This is a battle of who blinks first. China will hold out knowing the 2010 election is coming.
9
The President would betray the Hong Kong people (and, quite frankly, the Taiwanese) in a second if doing so would lead to a significant cut, even if only temporary, in the trade deficit with China.
10
China have always said the US is behind the riots and the “free press” have always denied that connection but let’s see them spin this connection now. The trade war is just an euphemism for sanctions on Hong Kong with the goal of driving people onto the street and creating chaos.
If China is weaker there would be an UN sanctioned bombing zone over southern China now.
4
I predict that Trump will soon offer to sell Puerto Rico to China. And perhaps California as well.
8
Trump has no convictions. He will do whatever, to slow down the rise of China (whose objective btw is to pass the US as the #1 power)
That said, Trump's opinion matter little. This is a classical Chinese fight shān gāo, huángdì yuǎn (Mountain high, Emperor far away) between a central government and centrifugal provinces.
At its core, this is not a fight about freedom (nominal cause, that sells in the West) but about the future of the young people in HK. They see no future. Rents are sky high, income for those with University degrees is lower than in 1997, and immigrants from the Mainland streaming in, depressing wages
"Don’t blame new migrants from mainland China for Hong Kong’s housing and health care woes, rights groups say while calling for race hate law"
South China Morning Post
Ng Kang-chung
South China Morning Post February 3, 2019"
It is, at it's core not all that different from Brexit, Yellow Vests in France and Trump in the US : Those who see their standards of living eaten by the free global movement of population and capital rebel.
Here the young of HK
2
I am sure Trump will show the people of Hong Kong the same level of solidarity he showed the Kurds. Which is to say, none. He views them as faceless bargaining chips and nothing more.
14
Surely Mr Trump should offer to buy Hong Kong?
7
Why turnip truck does he think China just fell off. Next thing you know he'll be offering to take Hon Kong off their hands!
6
trump is not Chinese.
He is nothing but an outside instigator vying to agitate the Chinese familial quagmire for his selfish advantage. trump didn't step in on Hong Kong's plight until "protecting human rights" became his banner - hoping to shame the Communists into a unfavorable trade deal that will only help trump win his re-election. trump thinks by selling f-16's to Taiwan will put pressure on China to come to the trading table but my viewpoint is " you are not winning my friendship by selling weapons to my enemy".
Well, today, I think we are watching a desperate man clawing his way to stay on top of the news headlines before he sinks to his oblivion. Maybe tomorrow, the sun will explode ahead of it's expectant star life - making all our conversations ... mute.
2
I’m sure the Hong Kong protestors appreciate Trump joining them in support as much as they would a skunk. Maybe now the tear gas shot at them won’t hurt so bad.
2
China has always had the upper hand in any trade deal. They are playing Trump and most likely have him right where they want. China will make Trump a trade deal he can't refuse with the condition he does not interfere as they crush the Hong Kong resistance. Trump will cave in an instant and then brag about how he outsmarts the Chinese, at their own game.
I'm sure he caved to the NRA when they told him if the didn't do what they want, they would not support his re-election.
Trump could care less about Hong Kong or those killed by gun violence. He has one agenda, him. It's beyond reason to think Trump is somehow going to change. Leopards would change their spots before Trump acts any different.
23
All of the negative and cynical comments are not warranted. The Trump administration is supporting the democratic up rise of Hong-Kong period. This should be something to applaud. If Obama would do it he would be praised as a great humanitarian. But with Trump only the negative thoughts and intentions of the leftist prevail.
6
@Lieberma
Obama didn’t measure every human transactionally.
9
@lieberma
Whatever. Trump isn't my president he does not represent me, you, or America just himself he's the king of Israel remember. I don't work for you or have to give allegiance to you, I am free. Trump alone is the chosen one so he doesn't need any support.
6
Because HK citizenry are not a pawn to be played by trump - their lives are on the line.
Were it Obama, this thing would’ve been resolved already.
10
It's a signal that Trump and Co's decided to initiate a war against the CCP and given up on the trade deal coz he's lost his patience. Period.
2
The kids on the streets of Hong Kong today are much savvier than the previous generation in Beijing. They recognize that purely peaceful protests don't work. They have defenses against police violence. They have no named leadership for the PRC to arrest. They know this is the likely their best and last chance to regain democracy in Hong Kong before full assimilation by the PRC. When the PLA moved into Tienanmen Square in 1989, they shut off most communication with the outside world so we never saw much of the massacre. Today, that is impossible. That's why the PLA is stuck across the river in Shenzhen. These kids don't need Trump. They got this figured out.
7
How much HK buy and sell from US? It is just provocation.
This is not Trump’s MO whatsoever. He doesn’t care what happens to people anywhere. It’s called desperation. He needs to slink away from an easy-to-win trade war that he’s losing.
10
“I mean, if it’s another Tiananmen Square, it’s — I think it’s a very hard thing to do if there’s violence.”
In light of Saudi Arabia, why would the Chinese government believe he cares in the slightest?
9
After three months and counting of protesting and after initially saying that Hong Kong is an internal matter for China, Trump and Pompeo are now using the people and the protesters in Hong Kong as pawns and leverage in trade talk. How cynically grotesque!
12
It's important to remember there are good people on both sides of this issue
And if something happened that did resemble what happened in Tienanmen square, Trump would not let that get in the way of negotiating a deal with China that serves his re election interests.
11
@bob
There may well be "good people on both sides of this issue."
But the protesters are on the holy side of "this issue."
At stake is their right to be judged in the courts of Hong Kong, according to the Hong Kong rule of law.
They do not want Hong Kong citizens to be sent to internment camps in the vastness of China, where they will likely disappear.
6
And you know this, how? You have interacted, spent time with each member of the Chinese government? Do you realize narrow-minded Chinese people, who have little access to outside information (due to government restriction - what’s your excuse?) are saying, “there are no good people in the U.S. government”. So that must be true also?
Add to toothbrushes and soap. Freedom of speech and expression, even freedom itself, are now transactional concepts.
13
The Chinese have learned not to pay attention to what Trump says, since he changes positions and contradicts himself incessantly.
When will we learn the same lesson?
32
I pity them if they pay any attention to Trump. He uses the US and he uses the Protesters who want freedom for Hong Kong. We are both held hostage if they fall for his rhetoric of the moment. He will not help them and he is destroying America.
10
@JHM - I pity anyone who pays attention to Trump.... well maybe not his base, may they get what they voted for.
4
I was glad to see Trump said there needs to be a peaceful ending. If there isn’t and Apple computers and all other American business remain there we need to stop buying from them. Other wise you are all an accessory to the crimes the Chinese military will be capable of doing.
2
To those students demonstrating for freedom: You are our sweethearts. We cannot bear the thought of losing you. Your actions have shaken the regime . Save yourselves now to continue your fight. Your loss now will only deny your goal.
5
@Thomas Bates
It is not just students. Almost a quarter of HK's population turned out this weekend in protest - 1.7million people, young and old, of 7.5million Hong Kongers.
5
Frankly, I don’t care about freedom or democracy in Hong Kong or China; that’s up to them to figure out. Why do so many Americans always want to interfere in the affairs of other nations? We should focus on cultivating our own garden and leave other peoples’ gardens alone.
1
How simple your view of international affairs must be. Do you really believe what happens in China and HK has no bearing on life in the US? If this ends poorly, then perhaps the effects will be more obvious to those myopically “tending to [their] own garden[s].”
6
First the trade war now Hong Kong. 2020 seem so far away sometimes.
2
@Nik
There is always the 25th Amendment. He's certifiable, so NOW is the time! God help us with Pence, though. Let's by pass him and go right to Pelosi.
8
@RealTRUTH
His reelection would spell disaster and an end to polite, civilized political dialogue as spoken since the Constitution was written. Here comes the language of hatred.
3
President Trump changing his mind is hardly newsworthy. Beware students in Hong Kong, this is Trump you’re betting your lives on. Not dithering on the impact of tariffs on Christmas receipts of his largest donors; now that would be a news story for the president.
6
Once again, Donny is a day late and dollar short.
This was the obvious strategy to pursue from the getgo.
5
Even the suggestion that the US will "back: Hong Kong, whatever the politics is a huge escalation of conflict, This means the US is trying to openly and directly move into China's sphere, Far more an issue than Russians sneaking under the radar, This will NOT lead to help for HK and REALLY will not lead to a solution in the trade war, yes it's now a war, folks.
Imagine China moving in and suggesting California should secede from the US or be a pseudo self governming entity.
Good luck, everyone. the fool in chief has yet to do his worst,
8
If anyone out there doesn't like trump's new position, don't panic. Perhaps you'll like the one he throws out tomorrow a lot better.
15
Good luck with that.. China is not backing down.. trade negotiations or not
3
Seems trump is ready to engage in selling out thise who seek democracy so he can save face already lost.
2
How long until Trump insists on buying Hong Kong?
6
Sounds like he's saying the USA will overlook a violent crackdown in Hong Kong if China surrenders in the trade war. Sounds almost as absurd as buying Greenland. What would Chinese surrender in the trade war look like? What would violent repression without surrender mean for Trump?
7
Trump driving wedges and being divisive for political gain, say it isn't so. If he gets even a smidgen of what he wants out of the Chinese he will throw the people in Hong Kong under the bus in a New York minute. Why would anyone trust this guy,
6
They all do it. At least the politicians who are savvy negotiators , unlike amateurs such as Obama. Trump wrote a book on it. It’s called “Leverage!”
2
Just stick to the trade fight, it's worth having.
5
@Mkm
You're kidding, right?
4
I know Trump did not plan this. Someone else in his admin pushed this through. Trump is afraid to alienate Xi, a dictator he admires.
2
The US in theory should provide support to spread democracy. However, this is a sovereign rights issue. The US will not provide military support if China were to invade Hong Kong. The only power the US has is to revoke Hong Kong's special status, and maybe provide political asylum.
1
@Nick R I don't know if the world is willing to sit back and watch if China were to invade Hong Kong.
Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters.
DO NOT believe nor have faith in our American Lying President. Accept no assistance from this evil man who will stab you all in the back the 1st chance he gets and sell you out to the highest bidder.
You would be better off asking countries such as India, Mexico, or the Bahamas for help.
Stay strong and stay firm.
13
so, now he's setting the stage to blame the unrest in Hong Kong for his foolish and failed tactics in dealing with a China trade deal. Can some one tell me how getting into this internal problem on the side of the protectors is going to force China into meeting our terms? This tactic is just plain foolish and counter productive to success.
2
Donald's plan has always been based on the "spaghetti" theory, basically he'll throw a bunch of spaghetti on the wall and see what sticks...
Le Grand Strategy, by scattered brain...
1
Coming from the man who is "in love" with Kim Jong Un, this alleged desire to protect Hong Kong demonstrators has zero credibility. But it shows that Trump has not learned even the basics behind negotiations. First you have to know what leverage and how much of it you have. Here Trump's silly posturing is not leverage, just silly posturing. Second, in negotiations where there is much sensitivity on multiple issues, the bargaining has to take place in private. You would think Trump might have learned this from Nancy Pelosi, where his silly threats about shutting down the government ended up backing him into a corner, one that worked to his detriment. Trump is a proving, time and again, that he is nothing more than a silly idiot,
13
HA ! ! !
What hypocrisy ! ! !
Just think if the tables we turned and the Chinese said they would not negotiate until the U.S. treated Central American migrants better.
23
@T Smull That actually would be welcomed but not as effective since Americans allow lawyers and non-profits such as ACLU to fight on behalf of migrants.
HK citizens on the other hand, are not undocumented immigrants, but still in danger of having less legal recourse, especially if the extradition law becomes active. In fact, mainland soldiers are already displacing HK police because that kind of cultural distance makes it easier to oppress and dehumanize local HK people, especially when they don't speak Cantonese and are raised under an autocratic regime.
2
Here's the problem with being a greedy, unprincipled opportunist: eventually, people catch on. And once people figure out that the GUO will say anything to get the desired payout, words become less effective. There appear to be some individuals who want to be conned (a/k/a "lost souls"), but in most situations -- as in negotiations with foreign governments -- lies are lies and nothing more. Trump may think he's a grand dealmaker, but he sure looks like an absurdly obvious con man.
13
Dangerous maneuver when conflating issues. Even more dangerous when it is done not out of principle but out of convenience and hope for leverage. It is too transparent and lacks the high ground. Of course, the high ground is a foreign concept to Trump.
21
@Tough Call
All US foreign policy is currently at the service of Trump’s re-election.
8
So, the trade war ends when China agrees to buy more soybeans and surplus military vehicles and riot control gear, and then Trump will blame the Hong Kong protests on Antifa.
16
Today our president feels this way. Tomorrow, who knows.? He'll trade their freedoms in a heartbeat and everyone who is watching knows this. Does anyone trust this man?
11
Perhaps he will next approach Xi and ask if Hong Kong is available for purchase.
83
Isn’t it a great thing for hk to be bought by the US ? A total different situation from Greenland .
And if China makes a ‘deal’ Trump likes - how fast would he dump the protesters in Hong Kong. As fast as he dumped ‘doing something about our guns laws’ after a quick call from the NRA.
NO ONE should trust anything Trump says - especially the protesters in Hong Kong.
58
Is there a GO FUND ME account to help these young people? How can we support them when our government is silent? Please provide specific, secure instructions in this comment chain.
14
@Ellen Americans can call, fax, mail (calling preferred) their senators and congresspeople to support the Hong Kong Human RIghts and Democracy Act 2019
online form also available: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/co-sponsor-hong-kong-human-rights-and-democracy-act-of-2019
House Bill H.R. 3289 and Senate Bill S. 1838
More ways to help:
https://github.com/hongkonggong/beyond-lennon-walls/blob/master/README.md
Chinese embassies (CCP satellites) are globally employing scare tactics to intimidate HK democracy allies; vandalizing Lennon walls, physically assaulting HK students and solidarity protesters, in countries like Australia, Canada, USA, England, Ireland, all democratic countries ironically. Express disapproval to your representatives that those who resort to violence and death threats should not be allowed in your countries.
12
All Xi Jinping has to do is call Trump and ask him if he knows anybody willing to build multiple luxury high rises in Beijing.. Then we'll see how fast Trump's new found support for Hong Kong lasts.
9
"President Trump has shifted his stance on the unrest in Hong Kong in recent days to show greater solidarity with the pro-democracy protesters..."
. . . .
Solidarity is a strange word to use when these protesters are viewed as simply pawns by Trump, who would quickly turn his back on them if doing so better suited his needs. And of course, 'pawns' is a odd word to use for a president who can only play checkers.
64
I'm shocked -- and pleased -- that Trump is doing this; I just hope he doesn't back peddle when he gets the deal he wants and leave the protestors w/o support.
6
@Dolly Patterson Beware of Trump, he will sell anyone to the devil for his own interest
5
@Dolly Patterson Believe? Believe not! Believe not!
1
"Shifted his stance" ---come on, his stance changes by the hour, maybe minute--depending on who he talked with or viewed in the last hour, and, how well done his Burger is.
26
@Amanda Jones
His hamberder?
1
I see these kids as idealistic, inspiring and at the same time naive. I say naive because the ones that are voicing support are Trump, Pence and McConnell. They will sell them out!
I know they are fighting for freedom but freedom from extradition or something else?
I do not see them winning. I think schools will open and the protests will die. I hope the few that remain will not get hurt or be hurt in a futile fight.
I wish they take the win against extradition to mainland and celebrate victory for now.
7
The Trump administration will sell out Hong Kong and democracy for an order of soybeans.
111
@MFinn Maybe not for soybeans (now that China can soon get them from the next million square miles of burned up Amazon rainforest-turned-pesticidal farm acreage)-- but surely to support Ivanka's next Barbie doll adventure in Asia, or for the branding license of a new trump hotel.
14
@MFinn For two orders of soybeans, he would sell out the Taiwanese. If the Chinese promised some form of additional monetary gain to his family, he would betray the South Koreans and/or Japanese. He might betray the last two even without any concessions from China - productive democracies present an existential threat to him.
7
@Matt
You are exactly right!
Trump is all about the money - he wants no trade deficits with any country because he thinks that means they're taking our money.
This guy doesn't understand trade or tariffs or human rights or democracy. All he understands is who has more money.
1
Opening up the dialogue with a long term view that constrains the probabilities of larger problems later - wise. It’s a model to keep in the wheelhouse for future negotiations, provided the approach is textured with strength. Investing in assurances benefitting the wellbeing of lower tier general populations of countries with whom any government negotiates cannot be an afterthought to agreements. What ought those investments look like?
4