Hong Kongs last major pro-democracy party moves to disband
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Hong Kong's Largest Pro-Democracy Party Moves to Dissolve
Above: Lo Kin-hei (2R), chairman of Hong Kong's Democratic Party, and other senior leaders attend a press conference at the party's headquarters in Hong Kong on Feb. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Holmes Chan/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
The Democratic Party's potential dissolution represents the systematic dismantling of Hong Kong's democratic institutions and civil liberties — effectively silencing political opposition and ending the territory's tradition of diverse political voices, marking a significant departure from the promised 'One Country, Two Systems' framework.
Pro-China narrative
The Democratic Party's decline stems from its role in fostering social unrest, maintaining questionable foreign connections, and consistently opposing vital infrastructure projects that benefit Hong Kong's development. This makes its dissolution necessary for maintaining stability and national security.