During the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex, 28-year-old Filipina Rhodora Alcaraz protected a three-month-old baby with her own body. The tragedy, with more than 150 deaths so far, highlights the role of Southeast Asian domestic workers in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, outrage is growing as expressions of condolence are offered, but Beijing has warned that any protest will be repressed.

The devastating fire that destroyed much of a public housing complex in Tai Po has exposed the fragility of Hong Kong's housing system, characterised by overcrowding, negligently managed construction sites, and thousands of senior citizens and domestic workers trapped in hard-to-evacuate high-rise buildings. PIME missionary Fr Franco Mella slams the authorities for the way they manage the real needs of the population. Meanwhile, fears are growing that the tragedy could reignite tensions with Beijing on the eve of the 7 December local elections.

The fire that broke out in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po affected buildings surrounded by bamboo scaffolding, which is still used in many construction sites in Hong Kong. The buildings, which reach up to 31 storeys, house many families and elderly couples. Rescuers continue to search for those trapped.

The Special Autonomous Region halted cultural initiatives following a diplomatic row between China and Japan. Chief Executive John Lee reiterated the need to support the central government's position. Although Hong Kongers have not scrapped trips to Japan, US President and Xi Jinping were caught up by the tensions today.

The winter update from the HFCC, the international body that coordinates shortwave radio frequencies, shows a significant expansion in reported broadcasts by China National Radio, especially in Tibetan and Uyghur. This increase comes as the United States drastically cuts funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media as well as Radio Free Asia, a historic independent voice that has documented repression in Tibet and Xinjiang.

Published yesterday, on the Solemnity of Christ the King, the text is the result of a synodal process involving bishops, young people, religious and laity. Inspired by the theme ‘Be courageous: I have conquered the world!’, it recalls Christ's victory, the origins of the Korean Church and the action of the Holy Spirit. It will accompany young people and the universal Church towards the 2027 meeting.