Xia Baolong to receive briefing in Shenzhen, expected to cover Wang Fuk Court fire and upcoming LegCo election

The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) announced that Xia Baolong, its director, will be in Shenzhen today to hear a detailed briefing on the situation.

It is believed that the briefing will be related to the Tai Po fire and the upcoming Legislative Council election next Sunday.

On Wednesday night, Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed the HKMAO and the Liaison Office to support the Hong Kong government in doing everything possible to extinguish the fire, conduct search and rescue, treat the injured, and handle follow-up and consolation work.

Xi also asked relevant central departments and local authorities to provide necessary assistance to minimize casualties and losses.

Subsequently, Xia Baolong directed the formation of a HKMAO task force to go to Hong Kong to assist with disaster relief. 

The team, led by its office’s Deputy Director Nong Rong, departed in the early hours of November 27 and arrived in Hong Kong in the morning to begin work. 

The office’s executive deputy director Xu Qifang, also traveled to Hong Kong later on the same day to help with the relief efforts.