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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For months, overseas supporters painted Jimmy Lai as frail and fading fast behind bars. His daughter even claimed his fingernails had turned green and fallen off.
But the man who walked into court today presented a different picture. Lai stepped into the dock on his own, steady and alert. He looked composed — none of the weakness or fatigue described by his family and foreign backers.
No Case for Sympathy
The court’s written judgment made its stance clear: age, health, and solitary confinement were no excuse for leniency. After reviewing detailed medical reports from the Correctional Services Department, the judge ruled that Lai has received proper, continuous medical care — and that no sentence reduction is warranted.
The report dated January 9, 2026, offered a medical snapshot: Lai takes prescribed medication for hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all under control. Tests on his heart and hearing showed no abnormalities.
He had dental issues in 2021 and received specialist treatment, with no follow-up complaints since 2022. His eyesight shows early cataracts but remains stable under observation.
Minor Ailments, Maximum Care
In mid-2024, doctors spotted fungal nail infections on his right thumb and left big toe. Lai declined topical treatment and preferred a conservative approach, which doctors continued to monitor. By late 2025, the condition remained stable, with no signs of worsening.
The report even tracked his weight: 80 kilograms in December 2020, down slightly to 79.2 in January 2026 — both figures putting him in the overweight range for Asian adults.
The defence argued the weight loss showed a health decline, but the court brushed that aside. The key question, the judge said, was not whether Lai had lost weight — but whether it mattered medically. The records said no.
Judge Draws the Line
Medical issues won’t win Lai any leniency, the judge ruled. His crimes were serious, and his own lawyers admitted his ailments weren’t life-threatening. Compassion, the court made plain, has limits when weighed against the severity of the offence.
The court added that speculation about future health decline held no weight. The Correctional Services Department has a duty to ensure proper care, and so far, has fulfilled it.
Isolation by Choice
On Lai’s solitary confinement: that was his own call. Relying on CSD testimony, the judge said Lai repeatedly requested separation from other inmates, citing fears of harassment because of his notoriety. Each time, he confirmed he did so voluntarily.
The CSD made clear that Lai continues to enjoy every right guaranteed to inmates — from family visits and letter correspondence to religious services, outdoor exercise, and full access to medical and psychological care. Every safeguard remains intact. Notably, Lai has never once complained about his medical treatment, and the court pointed out that neither he nor his lawyers disputed any of these facts.
