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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTrump claims Hong Kong 'would have been obliterated' without his actions
President Trump on Friday claimed that Hong Kong "would have been obliterated" if he did not use it as leverage in trade negotiations with China.
Thats a complicating factor," Trump said of the protests:
"And if it werent for me, Hong Kong would have been obliterated in 14 minutes. [Chinese President Xi Jinping] has got a million soldiers standing outside of Hong Kong that arent going in only because I ask him please dont do that, youd be making a big mistake. Its going to have a tremendous negative impact on the trade deal."
"We have to stand with Hong Kong, but I'm also standing with President Xi," Trump said.
"He's a friend of mine. He's an incredible guy. We have to stand, but I'd like to see them work it out."
Trump has been reluctant to unequivocally speak out in support of the Hong Kong protesters. He has repeatedly said he hopes the two sides can reach a non-violent resolution and claimed that his efforts to secure a trade deal with Beijing may have helped keep violence at bay.
https://thehill.com/policy/international/471630-trump-claims-hong-kong-would-have-been-obliterated-without-his-actions
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(44,872 posts)The void between Trump's ears is a truly special place.