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Asian Defenders of Democracy Back Trump Amid Fears of Biden's Diplomatic Approach

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Asian pro-democracy activists are championing President Donald Trump's claims of an electoral victory, despite his friendship with Xi Jinping of China and Kim Jong-un of North Korea. This unexpected support stems from Trump's willingness to flout diplomatic protocol, abandon international accords, and keep his opponents off-balance. Prominent human rights activists across Asia are worried about President-elect Joe Biden's desire for the United States to hew again to international norms, fearing his approach will lead to confrontation with China's assertive moves.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pro-democracy campaigners from Hong Kong, including entrepreneur Elmer Yuen, are supporting President Trump's claims of an electoral victory, citing his ability to stand up to dictators and defend democratic ideals overseas.
  • Human rights activists and religious leaders in Vietnam and Myanmar are expressing reservations about President-elect Joe Biden's ability to keep authoritarians in check, fearing his approach will lead to confrontation with China's assertive moves.
  • Prominent human rights activists, including Wang Dan, who helped lead the 1989 Tiananmen protests, are skeptical of Biden's policies towards China, believing that making China play by international rules is "very hollow."
  • Badiucao, a China-born political artist living in self-exile in Australia, removes Trump from his support due to his human rights record but notes that this is not a popular attitude among many dissidents in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
  • Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's description of the Chinese government as "predator", "lawless", "threatening," and "the gravest threat to the future of religious freedom" in October highlights the complexities of the situation.
  • The visit of Lobsang Sangay, the first head of the Tibetan government-in-exile to visit the White House in November, successfully infuriated Beijing and suggests that diplomatic efforts may continue despite differing opinions.

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