US President Donald Trump appeared to be putting human rights condition in Hong Kong as a prerequisite of a trade deal with China. He tweeted that “Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first!” Trump repeated his usual praise of Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “great leader”, and a good man in a “tough business. He even said he has “ZERO doubt” Xi wanted to “quickly and humanely” solve the Hong Kong problem. And he even called Xi for a “personal meeting” on the issue.
Trump’s comment came after State Department spokeswoman said US was “deeply concerned” about reports of paramilitary movements along the Hong Kong border. Additionally, she urged the Hong Kong government to respect “freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly”. She also noted that recent protests reflected “broad and legitimate concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy.” Further, “the continued erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy puts at risk its long-established special status in international affairs,” she said.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also issued a statement earlier this week, warning: “The escalating violence and use of force perpetrated against the Hong Kong protestors is extremely alarming. The pro-Beijing Chief Executive and the Hong Kong police forces must immediately cease the aggression and abuse being perpetrated against their own people.
UN Human Rights Office also said in a statement that there were “credible evidence of law enforcement officials employing less-lethal weapons in ways that are prohibited by international norms and standards” in handing the protests in Hong Kong that lasted for more than two months. For example, “officials can be seen firing tear gas canisters into crowded, enclosed areas and directly at individual protesters on multiple occasions, creating a considerable risk of death or serious injury.”. UNHR also urged the Hong Kong Government to ensure “response by law enforcement officials to any violence that may take place is proportionate and in conformity with international standards on the use of force, including the principles of necessity and proportionality.”
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