Trump praises Chinese leader, not Hong Kong protesters seeking democratic reforms

WASHINGTON - On a recent night, standing shoulder to shoulder in a darkened street, anti-government protesters in Hong Kong waved American flags and sang the U.S. national anthem, the words blaring through scratchy megaphones.

Vast crowds of Hong Kong citizens have marched and staged sit-ins over the last 10 weeks in a city that fears its limited autonomy is under direct threat by Beijing, and U.S. flags have been among the potent symbols used to rally for democratic reforms and an investigation into alleged police brutality.

But President Donald Trump's reaction has ranged from muddled to indifferent, displaying his disinclination to use his office to promote democracy around the world - a task many of his predecessors