When Americans are on edge over foreign governments spending money on social media to influence US elections, what should they think when their president solicits billions from a private firm to support his pet projects?

While the US is urging its allies to purge Chinese companies from the internet under its ‘clean network’ programme, the dominance of US tech firms and their dismal track record in protecting privacy is the real threat to people and countries everywhere.

The US staunchly supports free speech, but even it does not allow speech that discriminates or puts others in danger. The NBA should look at what the rioters are doing to Hong Kong and show some respect for China’s position.