LettersWhy American democracy shines bright through the fog of Capitol chaos

As tear gas smoke dissipated over the Capitol building in Washington, autocrats were quick to point to the insurrection as evidence of a broken system. They are missing the forest for the trees.

As a Hongkonger, I have seen the sharp contrast between what happened here and in the US. Where separation of powers protected the will of the American people, its denial in Hong Kong has led to the imprisonment of protesters and criticism that judges are going easy on those guilty of “thought crime”.

Despite holding the most powerful position in the world, Trump failed to silence the press and the voice of the people, whereas here, press work visas are being denied, media outlets self-censor for fear of reprisals, individuals are summarily arrested, and journalists must live with the permanent physical trauma from unchecked police brutality.

Hongkongers’ voices were ignored despite millions marching in the streets and a landslide victory at district council elections by the pro-democracy camp, while Trump will no longer be in power in less than two weeks.