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Chinese state media praises Hong Kong for fire efforts and vows Beijing’s support
Commentary by Xinhua, which typically reflects central government stance, says tragedy united city and urges Hong Kong to move forward
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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 tragedy.
Published on Sunday, the commentary by Xinhua, which typically reflects the stance of the central government, focused on how the disaster had united the city and urged Hong Kong to move forward.
It praised Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and his leadership was befitting his role as “the principal officer” of Hong Kong.
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It was the first editorial commentary released by a Chinese central news agency regarding the fire.
The Wang Fuk Court blaze in Tai Po, which broke out on Wednesday, has killed at least 146 people and injured 79, with 150 still unaccounted for.
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“Following the fire, the central government attaches great importance to the situation,” Xinhua said. “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.”
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