Beijing warns new US consul general in Hong Kong not to cross ‘red lines’

Beijing has warned the new US consul general in Hong Kong of potential “severe countermeasures” for crossing “red lines”, with its top office overseeing the city’s affairs reposting a commentary condemning the American envoy for inviting opposition figures to her inaugural reception.

The commentary, published by the pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Pao on Saturday and reposted by the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), accused Julie Eadeh of being “back in the old game” of disrupting the city. Eadeh assumed her duties as the US consul general last month.

It also said the commissioner of the foreign ministry’s office in Hong Kong, Cui Jianchun, had laid down clear “red lines” during a meeting with Eadeh on Tuesday.

Cui’s office revealed on Friday that he had laid down the scope of engagement for Eadeh when receiving her courtesy call on Tuesday, urging her not to interfere in the country’s internal affairs while playing a constructive role in the development of bilateral ties.

Cui also called on the United States to lift sanctions concerning Hong Kong during the meeting, according to the commissioner’s office.

A consulate spokeswoman said that while Eadeh and Cui had a “frank and productive conversation, we do not discuss the details of our diplomatic engagements”.