The new American Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau, Julie Eadeh, recently threw two welcome receptions that have caught some eyes—mostly because a few opposition political players showed up.
Word is, Anson Chan was spotted at Eadeh's first reception on Friday, September 19, while Emily Lau made her appearance at the follow-up on September 22. Observers familiar with the scene note that these opposition figures had once claimed to have stepped away from politics entirely, pledging to stay out of civic and political activities. Yet here they are, clearly itching to stir the pot once more.
The Consul’s Controversial Backstory
Julie Eadeh isn't new to this game. Before stepping in as Consul General, she was the head of the Political Section at the US Consulate in Hong Kong and Macau. During the fiery 2019 protests, she had meetings with opposition figures like Joshua Wong and Nathan Law — and those pics made their rounds online. Because these meetings happened amidst such a politically charged moment, she got branded by Mainland media as a “subversion expert,” accused of meddling deep in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
US Consul General Julie Eadeh caught with Joshua Wong and Nathan Law—snapshot from the frontline of Hong Kong’s political storm.
Eadeh arrived straight at Hong Kong on August 27, replacing R. Nicholas Burns as the US Consul General. Beijing wasn’t thrilled. On August 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun basically laid down the law—calling on Eadeh to respect international conventions, keep out of China’s internal affairs, and respect Chinese sovereignty and Hong Kong’s legal framework. They also urged her to help foster healthy US-Hong Kong relations.
Old Allies, New Signals
This seasoned observer points out that the presence of Chan and Lau at these receptions isn’t just a social call—it signals a rekindling of old alliances between local opposition and foreign powers. The warning? Keep your eyes peeled for fresh attempts to disrupt Hong Kong by leaning on outside influences.
The insiders even throw in a sharp analogy: If China’s Ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, were to host a reception openly welcoming antisemitic figures backing Palestine, would then-US President Trump sit quiet? The unspoken message here? Treat others how you want to be treated, and watch the game closely.
Ariel
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Let’s be honest: the narrative going into this Legislative Council election was bleak. Following the tragedy of the Tai Po fire, the pundits were out in force, predicting a turnout that would "definitely be lower than the last one." They claimed the heavy atmosphere hanging over society made a final promotional push impossible. Even the six major chambers of commerce had to scrap their voting discount campaign, further dampening the mood. The critics said it was over before it began.
But the numbers tell a different story: turnout has actually surpassed the previous election. This proves the SAR government didn't just weather the storm—they met the difficulties head-on and played a strong game against the odds.
What we witnessed here was the sheer, united mobilization of the civil service. It was more than bureaus and departments going through the motions to promote the vote; the civil servants themselves showed up. The evidence is undeniable: look at the bureaus coming out in full force with a shared mindset.
Dedication in Action: Civil servants wait in long queues at the designated polling station
If you want proof of commitment, look at the Civil Servant Designated Polling Stations (CSDPS). At their peak, these stations saw massive queues with wait times stretching up to two hours. Yet, the civil servants in line weren't complaining. That silence speaks volumes—it shows a team united in heart, contributing significant strength to secure the legitimacy of this election.
Logistics Win Votes
The tactical adjustments to the schedule played a massive role in this success. By opening the polls an hour early and keeping them open an hour later, the government captured the demographic that critics usually write off: commuters working long hours and travelers returning to Hong Kong. When you see that evening spike in turnout, it’s clear evidence that residents returning from the Chinese Mainland went straight to the ballot box.
The infrastructure expansion was equally critical. The government set up new "Near Boundary Polling Stations" (NBPSs) at the airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, deployed outreach stations for care homes, and established dedicated lines for medical staff. These weren't just gestures; they successfully converted citizens who originally found travel inconvenient—or had no intention to vote—into active participants.
Consider the granular handling of the situation near Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Despite the chaos of the fire forcing three polling stations to relocate, the government didn't leave residents stranded—they rolled out shuttle buses. Media interviews with fire victims confirm they used these shuttles, explicitly stating they had received government aid and viewed the new Legislative Council as vital for their future help.
The takeaway is clear: the government successfully tethered the election to the path of post-disaster reconstruction, convincing citizens that selecting new councilors is their fastest ticket back to normalcy.
An insider concluded sharply: where there is a will, there is a way. Through disciplined unity and hard work, the SAR government fought this tough election battle—and won.
