Latest news with #U.S.IndependenceDay
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
The top US diplomat in Hong Kong criticizes China and the city for curtailing freedoms
Hong Kong 's top American diplomat said on Thursday that the policies of the Chinese and Hong Kong governments have curtailed freedoms, pointing to the cases of jailed prominent activist Jimmy Lai and what he called 'transnational regression." At a reception for the U.S. Independence Day, U.S. Consul General Gregory May, who will join the U.S. Embassy in Beijing next month after a three-year term in Hong Kong, told reporters he is a 'big fan' of Hong Kong, and that its people and spirit made the city a good place. 'Hong Kong is a great city. What is not great is the policies of the mainland Chinese government, the Hong Kong government, that have eroded freedom,' he said. Following the 2019 anti-government movement that filled Hong Kong's streets with protesters, Beijing imposed a national security law that it deemed necessary for the city's stability. Under the law, Lai and many other leading activists were prosecuted. May said U.S. President Donald Trump was very concerned about the fate of Lai, who is fighting national security charges that carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Before he was elected Trump said he would '100%' get Lai out of jail. May said Washington is also concerned about others, jailed for the peaceful expression of political views. 'The other friction point in my term here has been transnational repression, and it's very disappointing to see over my three years here, attempts by Hong Kong authorities to enforce the national security law within the borders of the United States against U.S. persons,' he said. He was referring to accusations by Hong Kong authorities against some overseas-based activists claiming they violated the security law and offering rewards of 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($128,000) for information leading to each of their arrests. On Tuesday, the U.S. Consulate condemned the Hong Kong government for what it called repression of 4th of July celebrations after city education authorities reportedly cautioned teachers and students not to attend events marking the day and organized by American diplomats. May said he was disappointed over the move and that it was 'pretty perplexing.' On Tuesday, the city's education bureau responded to media queries, saying schools have the responsibility to be good gatekeepers and to enhance the sensitivity of teachers and students to national security at that time.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
US consulate condemns Hong Kong's government for ‘repression' of Independence Day celebrations
HONG KONG (AP) — The U.S. consulate in Hong Kong on Tuesday condemned the city's government for what it called repression of U.S. Independence Day celebrations after local education authorities reportedly cautioned teachers and students not to attend such events organized by American diplomats. The consulate accused the Hong Kong government of interfering with U.S. Consulate General-hosted events, saying U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide celebrate Independence Day every year by hosting receptions and other festivities. 'We condemn the Hong Kong government's repression of U.S. Independence Day celebrations,' it said in an emailed reply to The Associated Press' questions. 'Its attempts to characterize these activities as 'unlawful' only further reveals its insecurity and fear of freedom.' The consulate's criticism came days after a Facebook page, 'Edu Lancet,' reported that the city's education authorities had sent 'friendly reminders' to multiple schools asking their teachers not to 'casually join' the consulate's events and be cautious about violating the national security law. The reminder also asked the schools to discourage their students from joining such events, it said. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims by the Facebook page, which often provides updates about the education sector. A local English-language newspaper, the South China Morning Post, also reported that the authorities had reminded schools to be vigilant about any attempts to promote U.S. Independence Day celebrations on campus. The city's education bureau has not immediately commented. Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang previously accused the founder of the page, Hans Yeung, of seizing opportunities to incite division in society in a media interview published in March. Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 following massive anti-government protests in 2019, saying the legislation was necessary to return stability to the city. Under the law, dozens of leading activists were prosecuted or jailed while others fled. Fears about the law drove many middle-class families and young professionals to emigrate elsewhere. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
US condemns 'repression' of Independence Day celebrations in Hong Kong
HONG KONG - The United States condemned what it described as Hong Kong's "repression of U.S. Independence Day celebrations" after media reports on Tuesday that some schools had received "friendly reminders" warning students against taking part in such events. The Education Bureau had sent the notice to schools in the former British colony, warning that students who take part in U.S. Independence Day activities could be at risk of violating Hong Kong's national security law, the South China Morning Post reported. It did not say if the schools were international or local campuses. The Education Bureau did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "We condemn the Hong Kong government's repression of U.S. Independence Day celebrations and interference in U.S. consulate-hosted events. Its attempts to characterise these activities as 'unlawful' only further reveal its insecurity and fear of freedom," a spokesperson for the U.S. Consulate said. The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau will host a private reception in Hong Kong to celebrate July 4 and to deepen the "longstanding friendship between the people in Hong Kong and the United States", the statement said. The National Security Law, which punishes offences such as acts of subversion, collusion with foreign forces, and terrorism, with terms of up to life in jail, was imposed by Beijing on the former British colony in 2020. The Chinese and Hong Kong governments say the law is necessary to restore stability following anti-government protests in 2019 when then leader Carrie Lam called on universities and schools to urge students not to participate in the sometimes violent demonstrations. Some Western governments have, however, criticised the law as being used to suppress free speech and dissent. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Toronto Sun
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Joey Chestnut in talks for return to July 4 hot dog eating contest
The 16-time champion missed last year's contest due to a beef with organizer Major League Eating. Joey Chestnut competes in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2023. Getty Images The greatest competitive eater of all time has an appetite for more. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account After sitting out last year's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Joey Chestnut reportedly is in talks to return to the U.S. Independence Day tradition in Coney Island, N.Y. According to TMZ Sports, Chestnut and Major League Eating actively are negotiating towards seeing the 16-time champion of the event return after a year on the sidelines due to a contractual beef. The outlet also says that both sides are eager to get a deal in place for the event which is less than a month away. Chestnut wasn't allowed by MLE to compete in last year's edition of the marquee eating contest due to his sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods — which TMZ reports is no longer a factor in discussions. While Chestnut claimed that he was banned from the contest for signing with 'a rival brand,' MLE said that it was Chestnut's own choice to not compete this year in the contest that he had won 16 of the previous 17 years. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read More 'Joey was not banned. Joey chose not to compete in the contest the moment he chose to make an endorsement deal with one of Nathan's competitors,' an MLE rep told the New York Post at the time. Patrick Bertoletti, who won the 2024 contest, admitted his victory had an asterisk due to the long-reigning champion's absence. Chestnut did take part in a hot dog eating competition last summer, going head-to-head with long-time rival Takeru Kobayashi in a showdown streamed live on Netflix. Chestnut consumed a world-record 83 hot dogs and buns during the 10-minute contest compared to Kobayashi's 66. At the 2024 Nathan's contest, Bertoletti ate 58 weiners for the win. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Celebrity NHL Editorial Cartoons Toronto Maple Leafs Music
