Hong Kong: International media representatives summoned over alleged misinformation

13:00

By: Sahili Aya

Hong Kong: International media representatives summoned over alleged misinformation

Hong Kong, December 6, 2025 — The Chinese National Security Agency in Hong Kong summoned several international media outlets on Saturday for what it described as a “consultation meeting,” accusing them of spreading misinformation and portraying government actions in a negative light, particularly regarding coverage of the deadly residential fire that struck the city in late November.

Reporters from major global media organizations — including AFP — were called to the meeting by the Office for Safeguarding National Security (OSNS), established in 2020 after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong. Through the OSNS, mainland security officers operate publicly in the city and are empowered to investigate and prosecute national security offenses.

In a statement released online shortly after the meeting, the OSNS accused foreign outlets of “ignoring facts, spreading false information, distorting relief and reconstruction efforts, interfering in the upcoming Legislative Council election, and fueling social division.”

During the closed-door session, an unnamed official read a declaration echoing these accusations but declined to provide concrete examples or answer questions from journalists. The online statement also warned the media to “avoid crossing the legal red line,” adding: “The Office will not tolerate any actions by anti-China elements or those who seek to disrupt Hong Kong. You have been warned.”

The city has been gripped for days by the aftermath of the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, which killed at least 159 people on November 26. Authorities have cautioned against “exploiting the tragedy” and have reportedly arrested at least three individuals on sedition-related charges linked to online comments about the incident.

Since the enforcement of Beijing’s national security law in 2020 — introduced after large and sometimes violent protests in 2019 — political dissent in Hong Kong has been sharply curtailed. In 2021, electoral reforms further restricted public office eligibility to those deemed “patriots.” The December 7 election will be the second Legislative Council vote conducted under the revamped system.