Tariff China if Beijing sanctions Australia

Via the threat of new tariffs, the Trump administration should consolidate Australia against any Chinese retaliation over Canberra’s response to Beijing’s new Hong Kong security law.

U.S. action is needed following Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s suspension of an extradition law with Hong Kong, and his grant to allow Hongkongers in Australia to remain for five years beyond their current visa stipulations. These Hongkongers will eventually be able for permanent residency. It’s a welcome development reflective of Morrison’s commitment to freedom and human rights. Moreover, these actions join recent U.S. sanctions on China, and British moves to offer U.K. citizenship to Hongkongers.