News|PoliticsBeijing’s top diplomat in HK sets out red lines for new US Consul GeneralChina told the US envoy to abide by ‘fundamental norms governing international relations’, including noninterference.
The United States has dismissed a warning from Beijing’s top diplomat in Hong Kong to the new US Consul General, advising her against interfering in the internal affairs of the Chinese-administered territory. During a meeting on Tue, Sep 26, 2023, Cui…
The United States has dismissed a warning from Beijing’s top diplomat in Hong Kong to the new US Consul General, advising her against interfering in the internal affairs of the Chinese-administered territory. During a meeting on Tue, Sep 26, 2023, Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Hong Kong office of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cautioned Julie Eadeh regarding her conduct.
Cui emphasized that Eadeh should adhere to international norms, particularly noninterference in domestic matters. He outlined specific directives, advising her not to engage with certain individuals, avoid collaboration with anti-China factions, refrain from supporting activities that could destabilize Hong Kong, and not interfere in national security cases.
The US Department of State responded on Thu, Sep 28, 2023, rejecting Cui’s warning. The department stated that US diplomats are tasked with advancing national interests globally, which is standard practice, including in Hong Kong.
The meeting highlights ongoing tensions between Beijing and Washington regarding democratic developments in Hong Kong, alongside broader concerns involving trade, technology, and Taiwan.
Cui emphasized that Eadeh should adhere to international norms, particularly noninterference in domestic matters.
Hong Kong operates as a special administrative region of China under the “one country, two systems” framework, granting it a degree of autonomy since its handover from Britain in 1997. However, governance in the region has faced criticism for becoming increasingly authoritarian, particularly following massive protests in 2019.
In response to the protests, China enacted the National Security Law in June 2020, targeting secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign collusion. This resulted in significant political changes, including the 2024 legislation that expanded governmental powers against the pro-democracy movement.
These legal measures have led to the imprisonment of activists and the closure of local media outlets, including the Apple Daily .
Prior to his meeting with Eadeh, Cui’s office shared articles from pro-Beijing sources criticizing the US diplomat, accusing her of promoting "color revolution" and associating with pro-democracy activists during the 2019 protests.
Julie Eadeh has not publicly commented on the meeting with Cui.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.