part of this story—which US reporters shouldn't overlook—is the pro-trump advocacy of hong kong pro-democracy media execs mark simon and jimmy lai, who believe "only trump can save hong kong."

(jimmy claims he didn't know mark simon was using his money to pay chris balding.) https://twitter.com/wilfredchan/status/1322150196546097152

amid rising censorship in hong kong, jimmy lai and mark simon's paper @appledaily_hk is one of the few major outlets in the city still considered pro-democracy. but the paper is also known for pushing anti-mainland chinese xenophobia and lately, pro-trump and anti-biden stories.

there are many pro-democracy hong kongers who oppose trump—you'll find many on this website—but it's undeniable that influential outlets like apple daily have popularized a narrative that trump is uniquely capable of holding the ccp accountable. without offering real evidence.

ultimately, it's very frustrating for me to watch the hong kong pro-democracy movement, which has suffered an incredible amount of trauma standing up against injustice and state repression, being taken on this cynical ride that really offers no good outcomes.