HK fire poses test for China's grip

A huge fire at a Hong Kong high-rise apartment complex that claimed the lives of more than 128 people poses a major test of Beijing's grip on the city, which it has transformed since the mass pro-democracy protests of 2019.

- GREG TORODE ANTONI SLODKOWSKI

This photo, dated Nov 30, shows an elderly man walking next to burned buildings of the Wang Fuk Court housing complex after the deadly fire, in Tai Po, Hong Kong.

(REUTERS)

Under sweeping legislative changes, pro-democracy voices and other critics have been silenced and elections limited to "patriotic" candidates, with the next legislative council poll set for Dec 7.

The fire struck as Hong Kong braces for the sentencing of media tycoon Jimmy Lai — the most prominent of hundreds of pro-democracy figures and activists facing lengthy jail terms under national security and protest-related charges.

"I think Beijing is attaching great importance to two issues — number one, how will the government handle this tragedy? And secondly, will we see a changing perception of the citizens on the Hong Kong government?" said Sonny Lo, a political scientist who has written several books on Hong Kong politics.

"The government has done well on national security, but national security includes a human security dimension."

The leadership of both the Hong Kong government and China's Communist Party moved quickly to show they attached utmost importance to the tragedy, with police targeting the construction company in charge of the renovations.