Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the U.S. presidential election has garnered some distant support in Hong Kong and Taiwan, where small but noisy people are hoping for his final victory.
In an attempt to cling to the power of the American president, the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong Internal divisions have intensified over its relationship with the Republican Party, and Vitriol’s wave against journalists reporting or commenting on the U.S. vote has intensified.
The Hong Kong Free Press, a pro-democracy title, has seen a strong reaction to its election coverage. An op-ed this week was titled “President Biden will stand with Hong Kong – more effective than Trump ever” Met with hundreds of negative comments – Biden with baseless allegations including “Biden is in CCP’s pocket” and claims that election result is yet to be decided.
“Some of the comments are innocent enough (meaning the election is not over – which is technically true but also misleading),” Sasha Ramani, one of the co-authors of The P-Ed, told the Guardian.
“But I am really surprised at the level of right-wing disintegration that is affecting right-wing circles. The number of friends who have given me Bretbart articles or other easily misinformed information is painful. “
Trump was considered the most popular in Asian countries’ U-Go polls last month in Hong Kong and Taiwan, where Chinese officials launched a crackdown on dissent and issued military threats to attack, respectively.
Trump and his administration have responded with anti-China rhetoric and words of action, banning authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong, and selling billions of dollars worth of weapons to Taiwan.
While Biden has vowed to take a tougher line on China, some pro-democracy activists fear it could return the U.S. to an era of engagement with Beijing.
Journalist John Nielander, who has lived in Hong Kong for a decade, said he has seen a lot of anger and aggression since the US election, including claims that Buden stole the election.
“I spoke to a pro-democracy woman [shop], He is pro-democracy and anti-Beijing – and he is hardcore Donald Trump. And he says Fox News is the only trusted media in the US, “he said.
A local reporter who did not want to be identified due to concerns about online online abuse accused colleagues and outlets of being “pro-Biden, or favoring Biden in their coverage.”
“One example is Apple Paul Daily – its owner Jimmy Lai was very clear that he supported Trump, he predicted that Trump would win… and his own coverage was generally pro-Trump. But [Apple Daily] Every journalist does what journalists do and fact-checked stories. And accused them of ‘showing their true color’. This kind of conspiracy is ongoing. ”
Observers, including Ramani, said people from Hong Kong and Taiwan were living in the U.S. The disinformation campaign aimed at voters has become a “collateral loss”, but one that has spread internationally through the mainstream, far-right and social media.
Lack of understanding of the US electoral system has also helped draw allegations of voter fraud. A Hong Kong reporter said the U.S. counted the number of mailed votes. State variations were confusing, and some made connections between the complex U.S. voting system and the anti-democratic tactics seen in some Asian elections.
“They both deal with their confidence as they choose to embark on their play activities.” They don’t trust their system, and the U.S. Lack of understanding of the system. “
Ramani said that many people considered the election as important for their survival, so they have a more emotional connection to it.
In October, Biden promised that the U.S. “To advance our shared prosperity, security and values in the Asia-Pacific region” and the Taiwan SIC will join the Allies and expand relations with Taiwan. Will create.
He has called Chinese President Xi Jinping a thug, and condemned China’s actions in Xinjiang. Analysts have repeatedly said that China is now a global challenge and that Washington’s approach – supported by a global network of allies – is unlikely to change.
Ramani said in her op-ed that the Trump administration should be credited for raising China’s questions, but Hong Kong and Taiwan should be credited with the US. Will benefit despite the predictable no. “The support of our friends in Asia is not going to end.”
