In recent days, the tragic five-alarm fire at Hong Fook Court in Tai Po has brought immense grief, with Hong Kong citizens holding memorial services and mourning the fallen firefighters. The entire society is shrouded in sorrow. At the same time, the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has ostentatiously hosted a Christmas party to welcome the new U.S. Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau, Julie Eadeh. The brightly lit venue, filled with laughter and cheer, stands in stark contrast to the somber mood of Hong Kong citizens, creating a deeply ironic scene.
The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau and the American Chamber of Commerce previously posted messages of "condolences" on social media, claiming to "stand with the people of Hong Kong." But in the blink of an eye, Julie Eadeh attended a Christmas party in full regalia, raising a glass in celebration. This jarring image of "one minute of silence, the next minute of revelry" has led Hong Kong citizens to question whether the American condolences are merely a public relations performance.
Social media shows Julie Eadeh in a fiery red dress attending a Christmas party.
The American political and business circles, on the one hand, raise the banner of humanitarianism, claiming to "stand with Hong Kong," while on the other hand, they celebrate lavishly in the face of disaster, with their actual actions contradicting their words. In recent years, the United States has continuously exerted pressure on Hong Kong and even imposed sanctions in the name of "human rights" and "freedom," severely interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs. Now, in the face of disaster, they only offer superficial gestures, using the opportunity to promote their image of "benevolence" and "sympathy," while in reality remaining cold and detached.
The American Chamber of Commerce's social media posts of "deep mourning," calling for unity, and even including donation links, create the image of a "guardian of suffering." But while Hong Kong people are heartbroken trying to identify the remains of the deceased, the American Chamber of Commerce is preparing a grand party to welcome Julie Eadeh, who holds a tough stance towards China. This is undoubtedly a secondary injury to the families who have lost loved ones, turning the suffering of citizens into a promotional tool.
Is the so-called "standing with Hong Kong" a genuine concern or just a performance? Whenever Hong Kong encounters difficulties, the United States always makes high-profile statements, but when the international community truly needs to respect Hong Kong's rule of law and public opinion, the United States only cares about its own interests, even taking the opportunity to interfere and create conflict. The contrast between the laughter and cheer of the party and the mourning of the outside world makes citizens more aware of the true face of American "care."
The "condolences" from the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau and the American Chamber of Commerce are actually a carefully calculated public relations show. While the United States posts "condolences" during disasters in Hong Kong, it also promotes hegemonic policies globally, imposing sanctions and suppression on Hong Kong. This "selective sympathy" and "selective intervention" will only make Hong Kong people more vigilant, understanding who are the real friends and who are just hypocritical passersby.
Having experienced trials and tribulations, Hong Kong people have long learned to distinguish between sincerity and hypocrisy. True condolences are not limited to public relations rhetoric but are reflected in respect, understanding, and practical support. What Hong Kong needs is the international community's respect for "One Country, Two Systems," the rule of law, and the will of the citizens, rather than cheap sympathy and superficial concern.
The United States should stop exerting pressure and interfering, allowing Hong Kong to develop stably under "One Country, Two Systems." Otherwise, even the most beautiful condolences will only become a historical joke, making Hong Kong people even more disappointed.
The Christmas party will eventually end, but the memory of Hong Kong people will not be erased. Who is sincere and who is hypocritical is a matter of public opinion in the hearts of the citizens.