Chinese state media praises Hong Kong for fire efforts, vows Beijing’s support

Beijing’s state media has praised the swift rescue and relief efforts by the Hong Kong government after the city’s worst fire in decades, commending its leadership and pledging support in its first editorial commentary on the disaster.

The commentary by Xinhua, which typically reflects the stance of the central government, published on Sunday focused on how the tragedy had united the city and urged Hong Kong to move forward.

It recognised the leadership of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu as “the first person-in-charge” in Hong Kong.

It is the first and only editorial commentary released by any Chinese central news agency to date regarding the fire.

The Wang Fuk Court blaze in Tai Po broke out on Wednesday and by Sunday had killed 128 people and injured 79, with 150 still unaccounted for.

“Following the fire, the central government attached great importance to the situation, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government responded with all its might, and all sectors of society extended a helping hand, rapidly mobilising a powerful force for disaster relief,” Xinhua said.