Hong Kong’s Bitcoin convention has change into a take a look at of politics and optics relatively than only a assembly for crypto followers.
Officials Drop Out After Speaker Confirmation
According to reviews, two native figures quietly pulled out of Bitcoin Asia 2025 after Eric Trump – son of US President Donald Trump – was listed as a speaker.
Eric Yip Chee-hang of the Securities and Futures Commission and lawmaker Johnny Ng Kit-chong withdrew from the occasion lineup, which runs on August 28 and 29.
Organizers declined to say if the adjustments have been compelled, however sources informed the South China Morning Post that officers have been urged to skip the convention if Eric Trump appeared.
A Hong Kong official and a lawmaker have withdrawn from a Bitcoin Asia convention within the metropolis following recommendation to not interact with Eric Trump, son of President Donald Trump, the South China Morning Post reported. https://t.co/FvgpBoyn77
— Bloomberg (@enterprise) August 28, 2025
A Delicate Balance Between Trade And Appearances
Hong Kong’s leaders are juggling massive targets. The metropolis needs international crypto corporations and is selling guidelines meant to draw them.
At the identical time, ties between the US and China are strained. Tariffs on Hong Kong exports are at 145%, a determine that some officers see as a reminder to be cautious about public associations.
Lau Siu-kai, an adviser to a Beijing-linked assume tank, mentioned the withdrawals keep away from any sense of taking sides with Washington throughout a delicate time.
US Connections Draw Attention
Eric Trump is scheduled for 2 periods, titled “All in on Bitcoin” and “Bitcoin Takes Over the World.” He co-founded American Bitcoin and has hyperlinks to World Liberty Financial, based on public filings and previous protection.
BTCUSD buying and selling at $113,234 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView
With US President Donald Trump again within the White House and pushing crypto-friendly guidelines, the household’s strikes are being watched extra carefully than earlier than.
Some attendees say his title will nonetheless draw crowds. Others fear it’s going to preserve the main target off expertise.
Local Voices Push Back On Political Framing
Joshua Chu of the Hong Kong Web3 Association informed reporters that the walkout appeared like private selections, not a political purge.
He argued that Eric Trump’s presence underlines Hong Kong’s function in crypto. Still, a number of individuals on the scene mentioned that political concerns have been unavoidable.
The occasion, now in its second version this 12 months, was meant to spotlight panels on tokenization and funding, however the headlines have shifted.
How Policy Fits Into The Picture
Hong Kong just lately rolled out a revised Digital Assets Policy and a stablecoin ordinance on August 1 as a part of a push to make the town friendlier to digital property.
That push is ongoing. Organizers say the convention will proceed, with some periods stored intact and others quietly reshuffled.
The assembly will seemingly present how far officers are keen to separate tech outreach from bigger state-to-state tensions.
Featured picture from Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images, chart from TradingView
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