CAITLIN JOHNSTONE—Trump could have run as a Democrat in 2016 with a liberal-sounding platform, enacted the exact same policies he’s enacted as president, and, as long as he kept saying nice-sounding things, Democrats would think he’s awesome right now.
ALEX LO—In one masterstroke, Beijing is set to resolve long-standing challenges to its legitimate interests, power and prestige in Hong Kong. Forget all the noises coming out of Britain, Canada and Australia, or the usual meaningless threats from Washington. Hong Kong IS China’s. It is simply a rightful assertion of Chinese sovereignty after being challenged and undermined by pro-independence elements – who dare not speak their name – within the protest movement and opposition.
PETER KOENIG—It is almost certain that the virus was created in a US bio-weapons lab from where it escaped deliberately or by accident and that patient zero was in the US and that the virus was brought to China in one way or another. President Trump knows it. He also knows about the real mismanagement of the crisis in his country, the United States. But he has always been good at self-promoting propaganda and slandering perceived enemies, as long as he thinks it may help him get reelected.
MoA—As the U.S. is busy countering the epidemic at home China has already defeated it within its borders. It now uses the moment to remove an issue the U.S. has long used to harass it. Hong Kong will finally be liberated from its U.S. supported racists disguised as liberals.
Yonden Lhatoo blames blatant interference by the US for the state of affairs prompting Beijing’s new legislation to protect national security, even as he expresses concerns about its unknown implications for the city