With each passing day, Hong Kong is moving dangerously closer to a bloody explosion. America can no longer wait: It’s time to make unmistakably clear that it stands with those demanding freedom and democracy for the region.

Since June, demonstrators have taken to the streets in unfathomable numbers — as high as 2 million by some estimates. That’s an astonishing share of Hong Kong’s entire population of 7.4 million.

In recent days, protesters camped out at the region’s international airport, forcing the cancellation of more than 200 flights. They used force to hold two men thought to be infiltrators, triggering police and setting off violence.

And all this despite well-grounded fear of a military crackdown by Beijing.

One thing’s certain: Passions in Hong Kong run deep and wide. Even a harsh response by China isn’t likely to quell the underlying pro-democracy fever.

Meanwhile, Beijing has been displaying its intolerance of dissent for years. It remains intent on not appearing weak.

“Don’t ever . . . mistake our restraint for weakness,” the Chinese government’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office warned.

Police have used tear gas, fired nonlethal projectiles and made hundreds of arrests. More worrisome, President Trump tweeted that China’s government was moving troops to Hong Kong’s border.

Let’s be clear: This whole situation could’ve been avoided if China’s henchmen — namely, Chief Executive Carrie Lam and members of the Legislative Council — hadn’t lit the match by pushing a bill to let Beijing extradite people from Hong Kong.

And most of the protesters don’t want a violent confrontation. They even apologized for inconveniencing the public: “We ask for your understanding and forgiveness as young people in Hong Kong continue to fight for freedom and democracy,” a statement said.

China needs a clear warning from the West, starting with President Trump: Beijing must exercise restraint and work to ease the situation, not inflame it.

The US should always stand for freedom, democracy and human rights. Besides, if Beijing thinks it can get away with a violent crackdown in Hong Kong, who knows where the bloodletting will end?