The Intelligence from The Economist Fire, then fury: Hong Kong’s deadly blaze
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Nov 28, 2025 
Emma Irving, Asian news editor at The Economist, analyzes the devastating Hong Kong high-rise fire, discussing its probable causes and the community’s outcry over housing inequality. Sarah Lonyuk, an audio correspondent, explores a year of protests in Georgia, detailing government repression and the challenge of achieving coordination for change. Lastly, Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, reflects on He Yanxin, the last natural inheritor of the Nushu script, emphasizing its cultural significance and her efforts to preserve this unique women-only language.
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Beijing’s Fast Response Politically Framed
- Beijing dispatched a rescue task force and Xi pledged assistance, which Hong Kong's leader used to highlight mainland benefits.
- John Lee emphasised mainland help as proof of the advantages of closer ties.
Anger Will Grow, Protests Are Constrained
- Public anger is growing but protests are unlikely due to the national security law.
- Irving expects demands for accountability but warns large street protests are constrained legally.
Past Fires Have Driven Big Policy Shifts
- Large past fires in Hong Kong have driven major housing policy shifts.
- Irving compares the event to Grenfell and the 1953 blaze that led to the city's public housing programme.