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1. @Foreignpolicy published an article by former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan @Doug_Bandow, suggesting a more engaging policy to China. Since he mentioned my comments, I'd like to respond to a few of his points on the grand strategy to China.
1. @Foreignpolicy published an article by former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan @Doug_Bandow, suggesting a more engaging policy to China. Since he mentioned my comments, I'd like to respond to a few of his points on the grand strategy to China.
2. Reasonable men would not expect Hong Kong can be liberated by "foreign forces." The fight for democracy relies on Hong Kong people's resistance and timely international pressures on the autocracy. "Hongkongers put their hopes in Washington" is not an accurate description.
3. Bandow responded to my call on halting trade agreements with China. He says that "nothing the United States nor Europe does will restore Hong Kong to where it was in 2019". But it does not mean we should trade with China like normal, without any human rights precondition.
4. Like many other human rights defenders, I believe that democratic countries share responsibilities to preserve their values by action. The halt of trade agreements is demonstrating such commitment.
5. We are not expecting Hong Kong's situation to be changed by merely implementing individual sanctions or isolating China on the international stage. But it's important to show that the world is aware of China's human rights violations, which can always make the CCP anxious.
6. In general, Bandow rejects the idea of isolating China and says that it will make it "both more repressive and dangerous." I think he mistook what had happened in China for the past years — human rights violations accelerated when China enjoyed increased reputation worldwide
7. Specifically targeting CCP for their wrongdoings helps us to unite our allies and fight back. Engaging China without accountability is proven to grow its authoritarianism.
8. Neither Hongkongers, nor other oppressed dissents under CCP's threats, could be saved without the world's determination and concrete actions against dictatorship. Ignoring CCP's authoritarianism and continuing business as usual are shutting our eyes to CCP's global ambition.
9. Nonetheless, I welcome the calls to help democratic activists and their causes. Yet, I also support the international community to hold China accountable by actions. Human rights should be at the front and center of the diplomatic policies, and even trade directions.
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