Why Did Top Hong Kong Officials Quit Bitcoin Conference?

Hong Kong Officials Quit Bitcoin Conference: Here’s Why

In a shocking turn of events, two top Hong Kong officials have withdrawn from the upcoming Bitcoin Conference. This sudden exit has raised eyebrows, especially given the conference's focus on BTC's future and Asia's growing influence in the cryptocurrency space. What prompted these high-profile officials to quit the conference?

HK Officials Won’t Attend Bitcoin Conference: Here’s Why

As per a recent Bloomberg report, Hong Kong officials Eric Yip Chee-hang and legislator Johnny Ng Kit-chong have pulled out of the highly anticipated Bitcoin Conference to avoid interactions with Eric Trump, who is expected to be a key speaker of the event. Lawmakers were cautioned against attending events featuring the US representative, despite the conference's potential to shape the future of cryptocurrency.

Hong Kong is facing increasing pressure to distance itself from the US administration, particularly given the hefty tariffs of up to 145% imposed on certain Hong Kong exports amidst escalating US-China trade tensions. They fear that their attendance would be perceived as a tacit endorsement of the US administration. A source familiar with the matter noted,

“There is a request to lawmakers, asking them not to attend the forum that also features Trump’s son. And I think we all understood the reason.”

However, the government has not yet commented on the matter. While sources highlight the US-China issue, the lawmakers cite personal reasons for their withdrawal. While Ng cited “family issues,” Yip blamed a scheduling conflict with a business trip.

Eric Trump to Speak

As per reports, Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, is slated to attend and speak at the Bitcoin Conference. Bitcoin Asia, the regional iteration of the global event, is scheduled to take place on August 28 and 29. Eric is expected to attend two 30-minute sessions on Friday.

Initially, Yip and Ng were slated as keynote speakers as of July 14. Later, their names were discreetly dropped from the program by August 28.

Lau Siu-kai, a consultant to Beijing's semi-official think tank, revealed that the decision is connected to the US-China trade war. “Under the intense China-US relations, it is only natural to avoid any impression that Hong Kong is doing something that is helping or pleasing the US,” said Lau.