Hong Kong regulators and lawmakers have pulled out of the Bitcoin Asia 2025 conference, citing guidance to avoid appearances featuring Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump. This decision reflects Hong Kong’s careful navigation of its role in cryptocurrency amidst escalating US-China political tensions. The withdrawals are especially significant as Eric Trump is scheduled to lead sessions at the event, highlighting a delicate balancing act between the city’s crypto aspirations and geopolitical sensitivities. While officials cited business trips and personal scheduling conflicts for their absence, these decisions underline the weight of potential reputational damage stemming from direct engagement with Trump’s son.