Beijing sets 4 ‘red lines’ after US envoy’s contact with Hong Kong opposition figures

Beijing has laid down four “red lines” for the United States’ top diplomat in Hong Kong, including warning her not to meet anyone an envoy “should not meet with”, after she reportedly invited local opposition figures to her inaugural reception.

In response, a senior state department official told the Post on Friday: “US diplomats represent our nation and are charged with advancing US interests globally, which is standard practice for diplomats around the world, including in Hong Kong.”

Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the foreign ministry’s office in Hong Kong, had lodged “solemn representations” with US Consul General Julie Eadeh in a meeting on Tuesday about “her conduct since she assumed duties”, the office revealed on Thursday.

“Commissioner Cui explicitly stated the ‘four don’ts’ requirements, namely don’t meet the people whom the [consul general] should not meet with, don’t collude with anti-China forces, don’t instigate, assist, abet or fund any activities that undermine stability in Hong Kong [and] don’t interfere with national security cases in Hong Kong,” it said.

The office said Cui had urged Eadeh to abide by the fundamental norms of international relations by not interfering in domestic affairs and to “make a clean break with anti-China forces”.

It is the second time Cui has met Eadeh within two weeks to discuss conduct.