The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) recently called in executives and journalists from several foreign media organizations for formal discussions. Occurring on December 6, 2025, the meetings addressed concerns over specific international reporting related to the recent Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po and the subsequent Legislative Council (LegCo) election. The Office alleged that the coverage contained misinformation, sensationalism, and distortions regarding official relief efforts and the election process, warning these outlets about adherence to local laws and reporting ethics.
Scrutiny on Disaster and Election Coverage
The discussions were prompted by what the National Security Office characterized as biased reporting following the tragic blaze at Wang Fuk Court. Following the incident, the agency noted that mainland and Hong Kong authorities, from central to district levels, coordinated rapid disaster response and relief, attracting international sympathy and extensive media coverage of rescue operations.
However, the Office specifically took issue with certain foreign outlets, claiming they “ignored facts, spread falsehoods, distorted and vilified the government’s relief and follow-up work,” and “attacked and interfered with the Legislative Council election.” These alleged actions, the Office contended, undermined community solidarity during a tragedy, disregarded victims’ suffering, and misled international audiences, prompting grave concern from the security body.
A central theme of the communication was the necessary balance between press freedom and legal obligations. The Office emphasized that no entity can invoke press freedom to interfere in China’s internal affairs or matters concerning Hong Kong. All foreign media operating within the city must comply with the Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL), and the recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, in addition to existing regulations governing news gathering.
Upholding Professional and Legal Boundaries
The National Security Office strongly underscored the importance of journalistic ethics, urging correspondents to uphold the principles of truthful, accurate, objective, and fair reporting. The agency stressed a zero-tolerance policy for fabricating or disseminating false information.
Foreign correspondents were urged to act professionally, report impartially, and strictly observe the law to avoid crossing legal “red lines.” The Office issued a firm warning against what it termed “anti-China destabilizing forces” attempting to “use disasters to disrupt Hong Kong,” stating such activities would not be tolerated.
Despite the warnings, the Office affirmed its support for the HKSAR Government’s policy of respecting and protecting the lawful rights of foreign journalists to conduct reporting activities in compliance with the law. They pledged to continue providing necessary facilitation and assistance for legitimate reporting activities.
This focused intervention signals a heightened governmental emphasis on compliance and narrative control within Hong Kong, particularly among international media operating under the constraints of the NSL framework. The ongoing monitoring of media coverage indicates a continuing commitment by the Office to strictly enforce the security laws and ensure reporting aligns with official interpretations of relevant events.