Mr. President – Stand with Hong Kong

Yesterday, President Trump addressed the “Hong Kong thing” in successive comments and Tweets. Calling it “tough,” he hoped nobody will get hurt and that it will work out for liberty. He also professed bemusement about why some are blaming him for what’s happening.

Clearly, the President is tiptoeing through a minefield. But he should be under no illusion: The Chinese Communist Party’s propaganda outlets are already blaming him and America – rather than China’s own repressive conduct – for Hong Kong’s popular uprising.

And if, as seems increasingly likely, Beijing responds by cracking down violently – either with its own uniformed forces now massing for the purpose or through the violent actions of undercover operatives – Mr. Trump will be widely blamed if he declined to deter such repression by  establishing beforehand that it will entail high costs for China.

Mr. President: Do that now.