U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed sorrow over the sentencing of Hong Kong media entrepreneur and pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai, urging Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider his release. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he had discussed the matter with Xi, citing humanitarian grounds due to Lai’s age and health condition. Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law and faces a potential life sentence.

Following Trump’s remarks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the verdict, calling it evidence of China’s suppression of free speech and democratic rights. Rubio reminded that China had pledged to maintain Hong Kong’s separate judicial system after the 1997 handover. Rights groups and Christian activists, many of whom support Trump, have also demanded Lai’s immediate release, citing his deteriorating health after more than 1,800 days in detention.

Analysts view Lai’s conviction as part of Beijing’s broader crackdown on dissent following the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, deepening concerns over the erosion of the city’s autonomy and press freedom.

Hong Kong held its Legislative Council election on Sunday, December 7, under the shadow of deep public grief and anger following the city’s deadliest fire in nearly eight decades. The Tai Po blaze at Wang Fuk Court claimed at least 159 lives, prompting widespread mourning and criticism of government oversight. Authorities tightened surveillance and deployed heavy police presence to maintain order during voting.

Public frustration over the government’s handling of the tragedy led many residents to boycott the election, accusing officials of negligence and mismanagement. The administration launched multiple investigations into corruption and safety violations while urging calm. Chief Executive John Lee framed voter participation as a show of solidarity with victims and confidence in reform.

With only 20 of 90 seats directly elected and all candidates vetted for “patriotism,” analysts view the poll as another test of Beijing’s control over the territory. Declining voter turnout and arrests of critics underscore persistent distrust and shrinking political space in post-reform Hong Kong.

At least 128 people have been confirmed dead and around 200 remain missing after a massive fire swept through a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, marking the city’s deadliest blaze in nearly 80 years. The fire broke out Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a cluster of eight 32-story buildings, and was brought under control after two days of firefighting. Hong Kong’s Security Chief Chris Tang said the death toll could rise as police continue searches inside the buildings. Among the victims, 39 have been identified so far, and 79 people, including 12 firefighters, were injured. Officials reported that the fire alarm system malfunctioned during the incident. Authorities suspect that unsafe renovation materials and construction irregularities may have triggered the fire. Three officials from the construction company have been arrested. The complex housed more than 4,600 residents and was under renovation at the time of the tragedy.

A devastating fire that engulfed several high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court complex has been brought under control after more than 24 hours of intense firefighting. The death toll has risen to 94, with around 300 people still missing. Authorities have arrested three executives from the construction company responsible for renovation work at the site, suspecting negligence and unsafe materials contributed to the tragedy. Built in 1983, the complex was undergoing renovation and was surrounded by bamboo scaffolding and mesh coverings, which may have accelerated the fire’s spread. Residents reported receiving no fire alarms and had to alert neighbors manually. This incident is considered Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in nearly 80 years. Rescue teams faced extreme heat and thick smoke as they worked to reach trapped residents in the upper floors. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and assess accountability for the disaster.

A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has claimed at least 55 lives, including one firefighter, while several others remain injured. The blaze, which began around 2:51 p.m. local time on Wednesday, engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in the government housing complex. Firefighters worked through the night to bring the flames under control, though smoke and small fires were still visible the following morning. Authorities confirmed that four buildings were completely destroyed, and three others sustained significant damage. Police have arrested three individuals — two company directors and one engineer — linked to a construction firm as part of the ongoing investigation. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and officials have warned that full extinguishment and recovery operations may take an entire day. Residents displaced by the fire have gathered near the site to assess the damage to their homes.

A devastating fire swept through several high-rise apartment buildings in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 44 people and leaving 279 missing. The blaze, which began around 2:51 p.m. local time, quickly spread through the 31-story towers, reportedly fueled by bamboo scaffolding and construction materials surrounding the buildings. More than 800 firefighters were deployed to battle the five-alarm fire, the city’s most severe in 17 years. One firefighter was among the dead, and several others were injured while attempting to control the flames. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as many residents remain trapped inside. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the fire is now largely under control, though investigations into its cause are ongoing. The Wang Fuk Court complex, built in 1983 and undergoing renovation, contains about 2,000 residential units across eight blocks.

A devastating fire broke out in multiple residential buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in at least four deaths and leaving several residents trapped inside. The blaze, which started around 2:51 p.m. local time at Wang Fuk Court, quickly intensified and was upgraded to a level-four alarm by 3:34 p.m. Firefighters and emergency services rushed to the scene, with numerous fire engines and ambulances lining the streets. Two people were hospitalized with severe burns and remain in critical condition, while some firefighters reportedly lost their lives while battling the flames. Authorities have yet to confirm the total number of people still trapped inside the complex, which consists of eight blocks and around 2,000 flats. The fire also led to the closure of a section of Tai Po Road and rerouting of bus services, as thick smoke engulfed the area and onlookers watched in shock from nearby pedestrian bridges.

A devastating fire in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district has claimed at least four lives after engulfing several high-rise residential towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex. The blaze, which broke out around 2:51 p.m. local time and was later upgraded to a No. 4 alarm—the second highest level—left several residents trapped inside. Two people remain in critical condition with severe burns, while some firefighters sustained injuries during rescue operations. Witnesses reported thick grey smoke billowing from the 31-storey towers, some of which were covered in bamboo scaffolding. Emergency services deployed numerous fire engines and ambulances to the scene, and firefighters used ladder trucks to battle the flames from above. Authorities closed a section of Tai Po Road, one of Hong Kong’s main highways, and diverted bus routes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, as officials continue to assess the number of people still unaccounted for.

Hong Kong’s commercial property sector is under renewed stress as property values continue to drop and office and retail vacancies rise. JLL warns values may fall another 5–10% this year, with developers and banks increasingly strained. Office rents have fallen over 40% since 2019, and retail vacancies are at record highs. The crisis may spread to luxury residential properties as owners seek liquidity. Some developers have already defaulted on large debts, raising concerns over broader financial sector stability.