Tipsheet

President Trump Urges Calm as China Moves Troops to Border With Hong Kong

Katie Pavlich
Katie Pavlich  |  August 13, 2019 1:52 PM

Onboard Air Force One on his way to Pennsylvania Tuesday afternoon, President Trump confirmed reports and video showing the Chinese government moving troops to the border with Hong Kong. 

"The Hong Kong thing is a very tough situation, very tough. We'll what see what happens. But I'm sure it'll work out. I hope it works out for everybody, including China, by the way," President Trump told reporters prior to boarding Air Force One and before issuing the tweet.

President Trump also retweeted the following: 

The communist government of China has a brutal history with unrest and the movement has many worried a return to the past is around the corner.

President Trump's comments came after major clashes between free speech protestors and police at the Hong Kong airport Monday morning. The situation has become more precarious by the hour as Beijing moves troops, military equipment and signals they are willing to quash continuing unrest.

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Six days ago the State Department issued a travel advisory urging Americans and other travelers to take increased caution when visiting Hong Kong. 

"Since June 2019, several large scale and smaller political demonstrations have taken place in various areas of Hong Kong. Most have been peaceful, but some have turned confrontational or resulted in violent clashes. The protests and confrontations have spilled over into neighborhoods other than those where the police have permitted marches or rallies. These demonstrations, which can take place with little or no notice, are likely to continue," the advisory states. 

Meanwhile, President Trump is attempting to balance trade talks with China and the rights of Hong Kong protestors to free assembly and speech. Protestors are waving American flags, demanding freedom and holding signs about the Second Amendment.