Both the Chinese central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government have expressed strong opposition and condemnation of recent remarks by US Consul General Gregory May. The statements, made in a recent interview, were deemed to deviate from the basic professional ethics of consular officials and provide further evidence of US interference in Hong Kong affairs.
In the interview, May highlighted connectivity issues and data security concerns, suggesting that some American companies used “burner phones and laptops” when visiting Hong Kong. He also advocated for the release of Jimmy Lai and others facing jail for political expression, asserting it would improve the city’s image more than financial summits and tourism campaigns.
The comments come amid increased efforts by the US government and Western politicians to undermine the HKSAR government’s actions related to national security legislation. The Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR strongly criticized May’s attack on the national security law and Article 23 legislation, accusing him of interfering with China’s internal affairs.
The HKSAR government responded, stating that May’s suggestions ran contrary to the rule of law and were extremely inappropriate. They emphasized that Hong Kong’s investment and business environment continues to improve, dismissing May’s comments as unwarranted interference.
May’s support for figures like Jimmy Lai further confirms Lai’s status as a foreign agent, according to Willy Fu, director of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies. Fu criticized the suggestion of using “burner phones and laptops” as paranoid and an attempt to create unnecessary panic.
Lawmakers in Hong Kong called for the swift completion of the Article 23 legislative work, emphasizing that delays could provide more opportunities for foreign anti-China forces to attack. They urged the government to expedite the process and submit the draft ordinance to the Legislative Council for review, aiming for swift passage to counter anti-China forces.