标签： Asia

A single photograph has come to embody the profound human tragedy of Hong Kong’s most devastating fire in over seven decades. The image, captured by Reuters photographer Tyrone Siu, shows 71-year-old Wong standing helpless before the inferno that consumed his residential complex, crying out ‘My wife is inside.’

One week after the catastrophic blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po district, Wong’s wife remains among the 30 individuals officially listed as missing. The fire, which rapidly engulfed seven high-rise towers housing approximately 4,000 residents, has claimed at least 156 lives, marking Hong Kong’s deadliest structural fire since 1948.

The tragedy unfolded on what began as an ordinary Wednesday afternoon in autumn. Wong had departed his apartment to collect his granddaughter from school, leaving his wife behind. Returning to find flames erupting from the middle floors of his residential tower, Wong immediately recognized the grave danger his spouse faced.

Authorities have identified substandard plastic mesh and flammable insulation foam used in ongoing renovation work as primary factors contributing to the fire’s rapid spread. Ironically, Wong, a retired building maintenance foreman with certifications in electrical and plumbing work, had previously expressed concerns about these exact safety hazards.

His son, who asked to be identified as J Wong, revealed that his father had taken preventive measures, replacing styrofoam window coverings with fire-retardant plastic film and regularly moistening the external green mesh surrounding their apartment. ‘Despite knowing the risks, no matter what he did, he couldn’t change what happened,’ the son stated.

In a heartbreaking final connection, Wong’s wife managed to place a brief telephone call to her husband as the fire intensified. Their conversation lasted approximately one minute before communication ceased permanently. ‘Soon after that chat, she disappeared,’ J Wong recounted.

As recovery teams in protective hazmat suits continue their grim search through the charred remains, the Wong family represents just one of countless stories of loss emerging from the catastrophe. The photographic depiction of Wong’s anguish serves as a powerful symbol of both personal devastation and collective mourning for a city grappling with unprecedented tragedy.

Chinese authorities have achieved significant breakthroughs in combating wildlife crime through a specialized nationwide operation launched in August 2025. The Ministry of Public Security reported that law enforcement agencies have initiated proceedings in more than 6,600 criminal cases involving endangered species protection violations, resulting in the apprehension of approximately 9,900 individuals suspected of wildlife trafficking and harm.

The comprehensive campaign specifically targets the entire illegal wildlife trade network, addressing offenses ranging from illegal hunting and procurement to distribution and commercial utilization of protected animals, particularly bird species. Enforcement strategies have incorporated advanced data analytics to enhance operational precision, focusing on sophisticated criminal methodologies including modified hunting equipment, drone-assisted arrow systems, specialized nail guns, and concealed trapping devices.

A notable case investigation in Dalian, Liaoning Province, demonstrated the operation’s effectiveness. Police dismantled a major trafficking ring specializing in precious and endangered wildlife, detaining 13 suspects and confiscating over 12,000 yellow-breasted buntings—a species classified under China’s highest protection level as national first-class protected wildlife. The estimated value of this single case exceeded 39 million yuan (approximately $5.52 million).

Investigative findings revealed that primary suspect Zhang organized multiple hunting expeditions targeting nationally protected bird species while simultaneously purchasing illegally obtained specimens from other poachers for distribution through secondary markets, where birds were often fattened before resale.

The ministry has strengthened inter-agency collaboration and public engagement mechanisms to enhance wildlife protection governance. A national reporting platform dedicated to environmental and food safety violations has been established to facilitate citizen participation in crime prevention efforts.

In a significant move to strengthen cross-Strait economic collaboration, Fujian provincial authorities have unveiled a comprehensive subsidy program offering financial incentives to Taiwanese residents establishing Shaxian snack restaurants. The initiative provides a one-time entrepreneurship subsidy of 5,000 yuan (approximately $707.80) to qualified applicants from Taiwan who open establishments specializing in this distinctive culinary tradition.

The subsidy forms part of a broader package of 12 policy measures announced on Tuesday designed to deepen economic and cultural exchanges between Fujian and Taiwan. These measures represent Fujian’s latest effort to foster mutual economic development and people-to-people connections across the Taiwan Strait.

Shaxian snacks, originating from Shaxian District in Sanming, Fujian Province, represent a culinary tradition with remarkable diversity, featuring over 200 distinct varieties. The cuisine achieved national recognition in 2021 when it was officially included in China’s national-level intangible cultural heritage list. These affordable, flavorful snacks have gained tremendous popularity throughout China, with storefronts appearing in urban centers nationwide.

The announcement follows a recent Shaxian snacks-themed exchange tour conducted across five Taiwanese cities in November, demonstrating the growing cultural exchange surrounding this culinary tradition. The tour served to promote understanding and appreciation of Shaxian cuisine among Taiwanese communities.

This development occurs within the broader context of increasing cross-Strait economic initiatives aimed at strengthening commercial ties and fostering mutual prosperity through cultural and culinary exchanges.