4 December 2025
Editor
The Wall Street Journal
Dear Editor,
Regarding your editorial “No Fire Critics Allowed in Hong Kong” (2 December), your Editorial Board’s biased and unwarranted attempt to undermine Hong Kong in the aftermath of a devastating residential fire is extremely regrettable.
I must point out that our uppermost priority is to support those affected by this tragedy with comprehensive all-round aid ranging from financial support to accommodation to counselling and much more – something your editorial conveniently ignores.
While the cause of the blaze has yet to be determined, investigations are underway. Several arrests have been made, including 15 people arrested by the Police for suspected manslaughter, and also 12 people arrested by the Independent Commission Against Corruption for suspected corrupt practices which relate to this tragedy.
Our Chief Executive has also announced the establishment of an independent committee to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review. To ensure independence and credibility of the committee, it will be headed by a judge. This will help to overcome any obstacles of vested interests and pursue accountability, as well as reform the building works system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
When law enforcement agencies discover crimes, whatever their nature, they must be dealt with in accordance with the law. We will not tolerate any crimes, particularly crimes that exploit the tragedy that we are facing now.
In this time of grief for our community, everybody should unite, support those affected, identify shortcomings and to do everything we can to prevent a repeat of this tragedy in the future. Any attempts to sabotage our recovery work will be handled seriously.
Chris Tang
Secretary for Security
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Letter to Wall Street Journal