There's a "but America" comment in all of these threads, usually more than one. It's boring and played out. I just downvote and move on.
USA is relevant because any discussion of HK democracy or capitalism places it along an axis between the virtues championed, globally, by China and the US. Otherwise, what discussion is there to have about a Chinese city that the Chinese are dealing with as they see fit?
Sure, if this comment actually WAS about that axis, and about how the UK and the US have taken a step back from their international engagement, THAT would have been an interesting and useful addition to the conversation. But, that isn't what this comment was.