The U.S. State Department dismissed criticism from China’s top diplomat in Hong Kong, who warned Washington’s recently appointed consul general, Julie Eadeh, against what Beijing called interference in the city’s internal affairs. Cui Jianchun, China’s senior envoy in Hong Kong, said he had lodged “solemn representations” during a meeting with Eadeh, urging her to avoid colluding with so-called anti-China forces. A senior State Department official reiterated that American diplomats “represent our nation and are charged with advancing U.S. interests globally,” including in Hong Kong. During the 2019 Hong Kong protests, Chinese state media accused U.S. diplomats of supporting pro-democracy activists. With then-President Donald Trump working to finalize a major trade agreement and preparing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, tensions over Hong Kong add another layer of strain to an already fragile relationship.