How China is controlling anger over the Hong Kong fire - Asia Specific podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Hong Kong Fire Tragedy: The worst fire in Hong Kong in over 70 years, burning for approximately 40 hours and causing significant shock and grief.
• Public Anger and Demand for Answers: Widespread sorrow, grief, and anger among Hong Kong residents seeking accountability and explanations for the fire's cause and rapid spread.
• Arrest of University Student: The reported detention of a 24-year-old university student, Miles Kwan, for starting an online petition demanding an independent inquiry into the fire, raising concerns about freedom of expression.
• National Security Law (NSL): Introduced by Beijing, this law has significantly transformed Hong Kong, leading to increased sensitivity towards dissent and a climate of fear.
• "White Terror": A term used to describe the psychological fear and self-censorship prevalent in Hong Kong due to the NSL and increased surveillance.
• 2019 Pro-Democracy Protests: A significant point of reference for understanding the current political climate and the authorities' heightened sensitivity to public mobilization.
• Electoral System Reforms: Changes implemented by Beijing that restrict candidacy to individuals deemed loyal to Beijing, transforming elections into a "selection process."
• Corruption and Safety Concerns: Allegations of unsafe materials, contract rigging, and cutting corners contributing to the fire, leading to demands for an open and fair investigation.
• Erosion of Freedoms: The perceived decline in freedoms of speech, assembly, and protest in Hong Kong since the introduction of the NSL.
• Changing Fabric of Hong Kong: The broader societal and educational shifts occurring in Hong Kong, including mandatory visits to mainland China and lessons on national security.

Hong Kong Fire: Tragedy, Anger, and Shifting Political Landscape

This episode of Asia Specific from the BBC World Service delves into the aftermath of the devastating fire in Hong Kong, the worst in over 70 years, and its implications for the city's rapidly changing political and social environment. The discussion features Martin Yip from the BBC's Chinese service and Danny Vincent, a senior journalist for the BBC World Service, who provide insights into the mood in Hong Kong and the broader context of these events.

The Fire and Public Reaction

The fire, which burned for approximately 40 hours, has left Hong Kong residents in a state of shock, sorrow, and grief. Thousands have been mourning, but this has been accompanied by a palpable sense of anger. Residents are demanding answers regarding the fire's causes, questioning whether it was a preventable accident or a result of negligence. The scale of the fire is described as massive, involving seven out of eight buildings, each 32 storeys high with eight flats per floor.

Causes and Controversies

Initial reports suggested bamboo scaffolding might have been a contributing factor, but this was met with strong pushback from many in Hong Kong, who felt it was premature to assign blame before an official investigation. The bamboo scaffolding holds cultural significance, making this a sensitive talking point, particularly online. The public is keen to understand why the fire spread so quickly, with a perceived political dimension to the discussion, including a defense of traditional industries.

Reported Arrests and Freedom of Expression

A significant point of concern is the reported arrest of a 24-year-old university student, Miles Kwan, along with two others. Kwan was allegedly detained for starting an online petition demanding answers and an independent inquiry into the fire. This action, considered a natural demand in many parts of the world, is viewed by Beijing as potentially "anti-China disruptions." The phrasing of such demands is seen as sensitive, reminiscent of the "2019 vibes," which triggers a more cautious approach from the authorities.

Danny Vincent expresses surprise that demanding an independent inquiry could be considered sedition, highlighting how Hong Kong has transformed in recent years. He draws parallels between the current situation and the 2019 protest movement, noting the involvement of young people, their organization via platforms like Telegram and social media, and the authorities' concern about mass gatherings. The introduction of the National Security Law (NSL) after 2019 has effectively suppressed widespread mass gatherings. While current activities might appear as efforts to mobilize supplies for fire victims, authorities may perceive them as similar to the 2019 protests.

The Impact of the National Security Law

The NSL is seen as a tool that operates in two ways: through arrests and by spreading fear. The reported arrest of Miles Kwan is believed to contribute to this climate of fear, known as "white terror." This psychological mechanism is considered a powerful tool for social control. Many Hong Kong residents who participated in the 2019 protests are now terrified to speak out or even volunteer, fearing potential national security charges for organizing or making deliveries. This demonstrates a radical shift in how people react, even in response to a disaster.

A Changed Hong Kong

Martin Yip, who grew up in Hong Kong, describes the city as vastly different, even from 2019. He notes the absence of violent clashes between protesters and police, unlike the scale of the 1967 riots. The current atmosphere is characterized by daily stress related to safeguarding China's national security and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party, a stark contrast to the period after the 1997 handover.

Upcoming Elections and Political Landscape

The fire occurred just over a week before Hong Kong's elections. These elections are no longer what they used to be, with Beijing having reformed the rules to allow only candidates deemed loyal to Beijing to participate. While there were reports of potential postponement, the elections are proceeding.

Danny Vincent notes the authorities' concern about low voter turnout. The electoral system has been significantly reformed since the NSL's introduction. Many in the political opposition have fled or are in exile, and supporters of the pro-democracy movement feel it has been eroded. The current system is described by critics as a "selection process" rather than an election, as candidates are vetted and accepted by the authorities, leading to a lack of diverse opinions.

Furthermore, any statement discouraging people from voting or encouraging invalid ballots is now considered a vote-rigging crime, punishable by jail time. The Independent Commission Against Corruption is pressing charges on such offenses, marking a significant departure from the voting landscape of five years ago.

Public Confidence and Accountability

There is a strong desire among locals for answers and accountability regarding the fire. Young people have expressed anger and suspicions of corruption, unsafe materials, and contract rigging, calling for an independent investigation. Some older residents view the situation as a crucial test for the government, expressing a neutral stance but harboring suspicions that "something wasn't quite right." They desire an open and fair investigation, a prospect they fear may be compromised due to the significant changes in Hong Kong.

The government has acknowledged failures and the need for reform, stating a commitment to plugging loopholes and holding those responsible accountable.

The Future of Hong Kong

The disaster raises questions about Hong Kong's identity as a Chinese city where dissent and opposition are not tolerated. Danny Vincent highlights that many individuals who would have been active in 2019 have left Hong Kong or been arrested. Young students and volunteers organizing today may have been in high school during the 2019 protests, indicating a desire to contribute but within a drastically changed environment.

The NSL has impacted not only arrests and emigration but also the education system. Teachers report mandatory visits to mainland China for students to salute the flag and learn about the NSL. The "fabric of the city has changed," but the desire of young people to participate and contribute to their future and community remains.

The tragic fire has once again placed Hong Kong in global headlines, underscoring the profound transformations the city has undergone.