• China launches a campaign against fire hazards in high-rise buildings after a deadly incident in Hong Kong.
• The initiative targets the use of flammable materials and unsafe construction practices.
• Authorities emphasize the importance of immediate corrective actions for identified hazards.

In response to a devastating fire in Hong Kong that resulted in at least 128 fatalities, China has initiated a comprehensive campaign targeting fire hazards in high-rise buildings. This campaign is spearheaded by the State Council Work Safety Committee and aims to inspect major fire risks associated with residential and public-use buildings, particularly those undergoing renovations, according to channelnewsasia, scmp, and reuters.

Authorities are particularly focused on high-rise buildings that are undergoing exterior wall renovations and interior refurbishments, with a priority on identifying the use of flammable materials. The campaign outlines four core areas for inspection: unsafe construction practices, malfunctioning fire protection systems, and lax safety management in everyday operations, as reported by scmp and reuters.

The deadly blaze that sparked this response, which occurred in the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Hong Kong, rapidly spread due to the use of non-compliant materials, including bamboo scaffolding and flammable styrofoam used for window sealants. The alarm systems in the buildings also malfunctioned, contributing to the chaos and resulting in delayed evacuations during the tragedy, according to channelnewsasia and reuters.

Beijing's emergency management ministry emphasizes that inspections must lead to "immediate corrective actions" and highlights that strict enforcement measures will be taken against serious safety violations. Local authorities are expected to prioritize the identification and rectification of major risks, especially those linked to unsafe materials and methods, according to scmp.

This campaign reflects the government's heightened sensitivity to incidents that could threaten social stability, particularly following the Hong Kong fire, which has put pressure on Beijing to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing safety standards across the rapidly urbanizing country reuters.