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Former US consul general Gregory May on his tenure and a changing Hong Kong

July 18, 2025

Gregory May, the former US consul general of Hong Kong and Macau, has completed his nearly three-year tenure and moved to Beijing to become second-in-command at the US embassy there. During his time in Hong Kong from 2022-2025, May witnessed significant political changes including the enactment of a second national security law, landmark national security trials, and the disbanding of pro-democracy parties. Despite describing US-Hong Kong relations as "testy with room for dialogue," May expressed concerns about human rights issues while acknowledging good cooperation in areas like combating drug shipments and scams.

Who is affected

  • Jimmy Lai (Apple Daily founder) and others imprisoned for political activities
  • Overseas activists targeted with arrest warrants and bounties
  • US citizens living in or considering moving to Hong Kong
  • Media figures like political cartoonist "Zunzi" whose work has been suppressed
  • The US consulate itself, which has faced difficulties securing venues for events
  • Hong Kong pro-democracy groups like the Democratic Party and the Hong Kong Journalists Association

What action is being taken

  • The US government is maintaining diplomatic dialogue with Hong Kong authorities despite tensions
  • The US consulate is continuing to cooperate with Hong Kong on issues like combating drug shipments and scams
  • Hong Kong authorities are enforcing national security laws, including extraterritorially against overseas activists
  • Unofficial pressure is being applied to venues to prevent them from hosting certain events, including those of the US consulate
  • May is moving to Beijing to become second-in-command at the US embassy there

Why it matters

  • The relationship between the US and Hong Kong impacts approximately 140,000 jobs in the US through trade connections
  • The deterioration of press freedom and human rights in Hong Kong represents a significant shift from the city's previous status
  • The extraterritorial application of Hong Kong's national security laws affects free speech in other countries, including the US
  • Despite political tensions, cooperation continues in areas like trade, education, culture, and combating criminal activities
  • May's experience illustrates the balance diplomats must strike between maintaining relations and addressing human rights concerns

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices