Be wary of those trying to exploit HK fire: China Daily editorial

The devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has brought the whole country together in grief. With 146 lives lost, as of Sunday, this tragedy has become one of the most painful moments the city has faced in recent years. Yet it has also revealed something enduring and powerful: from the central government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, from frontline firefighters to ordinary residents, the entire nation stood united in its response to the tragedy.

Except, that is, for a handful of anti-China and destabilizing elements who have tried to exploit the tragedy. As a spokesperson for the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR said on Saturday, these individuals have lost the most basic humanity. They are attempting to hijack grief for the victims to advance their political ends, revive the toxic atmosphere of the 2019 violence in the city, and plunge Hong Kong back into chaos. Disregarding facts, they have spread falsehoods, attacked the SAR government's relief work, incited confrontation and deliberately fueled resentment toward the SAR chief executive and the administration. Their behavior is morally repugnant and will inevitably face public condemnation as well as legal accountability.

Contrary to their smears, the SAR government has fulfilled its responsibility. More than 2,300 firefighters and paramedics and over 1,000 police officers were mobilized. Twelve firefighters were injured, and one lost his life in the rescue efforts. An interdepartmental emergency mechanism was activated immediately to coordinate the firefighting and search and rescue efforts and provide medical care, temporary shelter and psychological support. Assistance stations at hospitals and transition centers ensured that those displaced received blankets, food, power banks, and all essential supplies without even needing to ask.

On the Chinese mainland, the Ministry of Emergency Management coordinated emergency materials for Hong Kong: outdoor charging stations, conveyors, blowers, protective gear, lighting drones, reconnaissance drones, and more. From Guangdong to Guizhou, support poured in. Shenzhen residents drove across the border with blankets; communities in Rongjiang county, Guizhou, held charity events, recalling how the nation once helped them following severe floods. This nationwide relay of care reflects a long-standing Chinese tradition: "when one place is in trouble, aid comes from all sides".

Hong Kong society, too, has shown remarkable solidarity. Residents queued outside blood donation centers. Doctors and nurses volunteered in hospitals. Businesses, charities, and community groups mobilized donations, pushing support funds to over HK$1.1 billion ($141.28 million) by Saturday afternoon. Volunteers of different backgrounds gathered near the disaster site distributing supplies, offering counseling, and assisting the families of victims. Across the city, people brought white chrysanthemums to designated mourning sites and penned messages of sympathy for the deceased. The SAR government suspended nonessential activities and canceled celebratory events to honor the lives lost.

Amid this unity, the government acted quickly to counter malicious attempts to politicize the tragedy. Relevant departments clarified facts, exposed rumor-mongering, and began investigations into attempts to spread harmful narratives or incite unrest. As the spokesperson emphasized, Hong Kong people are discerning. They can clearly identify who is genuinely serving the public and who is attempting to tear society apart under the guise of "petitioning for the people". Most people will not be deceived, and the public will continue to stand with the SAR government to ensure proper relief, support the affected families and help the displaced return to stable living conditions.

With the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong has entered a new stage of rule of law in safeguarding national security. The central government firmly supports the SAR in resolutely cracking down on attempts to "use disasters to disrupt Hong Kong", countering interference by external forces, and protecting the city's hard-won prosperity and stability.

The warning of the spokesperson for the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR that those who seek to exploit tragedy, manipulate public sentiment, or stir turmoil will be held fully accountable under the law, is clear and unequivocal.

At this time of mourning, what stands out is the collective strength and compassion shown by the entire country. Hong Kong's resilience, unity, and rule of law will not be shaken by the destructive political agenda of a few malicious actors.