According to the agency, Chinese authorities expressed dissatisfaction with the coverage of the tragedy that occurred at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, which resulted in the deaths of at least 159 people. Specific details about what information officials consider "false or distorted" were not disclosed; however, it became known that the complaints concern the description of the government's response to the fire.
The department's statement said: "Some international media have recently ignored the facts, spread misinformation, and discredited our efforts. This also includes attacks and interference in the elections for the Legislative Council, leading to social division."
The event took place under the national security law enacted in Beijing in 2020 following mass protests for democracy. This law gives authorities the ability to strengthen control over the actions of foreign organizations, including the media.
This meeting occurred against the backdrop of growing public dissatisfaction following the fire, which preliminary reports suggest may have been triggered by insufficient oversight and the use of substandard materials during renovations. In recent days, authorities have detained several activists demanding accountability from government structures. Beijing has also urged citizens not to use the tragedy to destabilize the situation in Hong Kong.
The fire at Wang Fuk Court began on November 26, when bamboo scaffolding set up around the buildings during renovation caught fire. The flames quickly spread, engulfing all eight buildings of the complex.
Currently, the Hong Kong police are conducting a criminal investigation. Three people have been arrested in connection with the charge of involuntary manslaughter – two directors and a consultant from the contracting organization responsible for the reconstruction of the residential complex.
