China Warns U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong and Macao Not to Cross the 'Red Line'

U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong and Macao Julie Eadeh, who had just assumed her post last month, quickly launched "political maneuvers," openly inviting anti-China and pro-separatism figures such as Chan Fangsheng and Lau Hui-king to attend her inauguration reception. China has already made its position clear.

On September 27, the Central Hong Kong and Macao Work Office and the State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office forwarded a commentary article from the Ta Kung Pao, warning that if Eadeh dared to cross the "red line," she would face severe countermeasures.

The article directly pointed out Eadeh's actions this mid-month under the guise of assuming office, deliberately inviting Chan Fangsheng and others to attend, revealing her true intention of using diplomatic occasions to court pro-separatism forces.

Regarding Chan Fangsheng's identity, the article clearly stated: This person is not a so-called "retired official," but rather a thoroughgoing anti-China and pro-separatism figure who has long colluded with external forces to undermine Hong Kong's stability. It can be said that almost all major pro-separatism incidents in Hong Kong since its return have been closely related to this person.

The Ta Kung Pao sharply questioned, "Now (Chan Fangsheng) suddenly appears at Eadeh's event. If there is no 'underhand dealings,' who would believe it? As the U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong, Eadeh knows the identities of these pro-separatism figures and the public's strong disapproval of them, yet she brazenly treats them as 'guests of honor.' May I ask whether this is 'performing duties in a manner consistent with a diplomat's status' in Hong Kong? Does this comply with the diplomatic common sense of 'not interfering in Hong Kong affairs and Chinese internal affairs'?"

In fact, China's warning to Eadeh had prior actions. On the 23rd, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commissioner Cui Jianchun, received Eadeh for an audience. Commissioner Cui urged the U.S. to cancel sanctions against Hong Kong and requested that Eadeh perform her duties as a consul general in a manner consistent with her diplomatic status, not interfering in Hong Kong affairs or Chinese internal affairs, and play a constructive role in the development of Sino-U.S. relations, Hong Kong-U.S. relations, and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

The Ta Kung Pao analyzed that Commissioner Cui conveyed a clear and strong message, which was highly targeted and directional. In short, it was: a warning and drawing a red line. "This is actually a serious warning to Eadeh's performance over the past month and a half. If Eadeh still has the most basic diplomatic knowledge, she should understand and accept it, and demonstrate sincerity through actual actions. Otherwise, she will face severe countermeasures."

In this conversation, Eadeh stated that "she will lead the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong to advance a positive agenda and promote U.S.-Hong Kong exchanges and cooperation." In response, the Ta Kung Pao directly said, "If Eadeh truly wants to promote U.S.-Hong Kong exchanges and cooperation, then please take actual actions; people are watching." Any attempts to "play on the edge" or "test the bottom line" will ultimately backfire on her.

The South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong English media outlet, noted on September 27 that this was the third time within a week that the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office had forwarded related reports and commentaries, focusing continuously on the improper behavior of Chan Fangsheng and Lau Hui-king.

Hong Kong citizens also expressed dissatisfaction with Eadeh's actions, with multiple groups of citizens gathering spontaneously to protest. Several demonstrators carried out actions outside the consulate, raising banners reading "Strongly Condemn Eadeh for Colluding with Anti-China Pro-Separatism Figure Chan Fangsheng," holding up slogans such as "Shameful to Collude with Anti-China Pro-Separatism Figures" and "Do Not Disturb Hong Kong," and repeatedly shouting slogans to strongly condemn Eadeh for colluding with pro-separatism figures, directly pointing out that her actions were shameful.

Also speaking out against her inappropriate behavior were Hong Kong's Chief Executive Council convenor, Legislative Council member, and Chairman of the New People's Party Yip Tsz-ting, as well as Wu Qiu Bei of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844488606755081/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.