US President Donald Trump's recent visit to Beijing has sparked concerns about the future of human rights in Hong Kong, as well as the shifting dynamics of the US-China relationship. In a telling exchange, Trump was asked if he would raise the case of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist jailed in Hong Kong, with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump's response, likening the situation to the hypothetical release of former FBI Director James Comey, a frequent target of his own criticism, has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the US president's commitment to human rights and his willingness to confront China on the issue. As Trump navigates the complex web of US-China relations, his handling of sensitive issues like Lai's imprisonment will be closely watched by observers and human rights advocates.
Change reflects both transformation of US in Trump era and China’s increasing confidence on world stageAsked before he departed for Beijing if he would raise with the Chinese president the case of Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy activist jailed in Hong Kong, Donald Trump said: “I’ll bring him up.”But, the US president added: “It’s like saying to me, ‘If Comey ever went to jail, would you let him out?’ It might be a hard one for me.” Trump was referring to James B Comey, a former FBI director and a frequent target of Trump’s ire. Continue reading...
