US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his Chinese counterpart could “quickly and humanely solve the Hong Kong problem” before engaging in trade talks with Washington. Writing on Twitter, he also praised Xi Jinping as a “great leader” in a “tough business” and suggested setting up a “personal meeting.”
I know President Xi of China very well. He is a great leader who very much has the respect of his people. He is also a good man in a “tough business.” I have ZERO doubt that if President Xi wants to quickly and humanely solve the Hong Kong problem, he can do it. Personal meeting?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 14, 2019
Trump’s tweets come a day after he announced he was postponing tariffs on Chinese imports planned for next month. The uncertainty over US-China trade relations, coupled with the protests in Hong Kong, has shaken investor confidence in global financial markets.
Hong Kong in turmoil
The US State Department earlier on Wednesday expressed concern about the armed unrest unfolding in Hong Kong, and urged China to respect the island’s autonomy.
Also read | Hong Kong Airport Reopens Amidst Continuing Protests
Recently released satellite images showed what appeared to be armoured personnel carriers and other vehicles belonging to the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force, a heavily armed paramilitary unit, parked in the southern city of Shenzhen.
Hong Kong has seen weeks of mass demonstrations, with many residents protesting against what they view as a Beijing-driven erosion of rights promised to them in 1997, when the island was transferred from British to Chinese control.
Recent protests at the Hong Kong Airport led to clashes with the police and forced the cancellation of nearly 1,000 flights. Flights have since resumed at the airport, with authorities saying there would be heightened security.
Anti-Extradition Bill protesters distribute leaflets to passengers during a mass demonstration at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. Photo: Reuters/Tyrone Siu
A tougher line with China?
Trump has faced mounting criticism for not taking a firmer stance with China over the unrest in Hong Kong. Senior lawmakers have expressed concern over a potential Chinese intervention, with Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell saying any violent crackdown on protesters would be “completely unacceptable.”
Also read | Chinese Military Intervention in Hong Kong Would Be Costly
National Security Adviser John Bolton, meanwhile, told Voice of America Wednesday “the mood in Congress is very volatile” with regard to Hong Kong. “A misstep by the Chinese government, I think, would cause an explosion on Capitol Hill,” he said.
Trump had previously said little about the protests, except to express his belief that Hong Kong and China need to “deal with that themselves” and urge both sides to exercise caution.
This article was originally published in Deutsche Welle.