The Echo of "One Country, Two Systems": A New Era for Hong Kong with Zero Pro-Democracy Parties

1. Prologue: The Moment the "Last Light" Goes Out

On June 29, 2025, in the sweltering afternoon of Hong Kong, seven executives of the League of Social Democrats (LSD) sat in a row at a table for a press conference in a small office in Wan Chai. Under the flash of cameras, Chairperson Chan Po-ying declared in a trembling voice, "We are disbanding as of today."reuters.com
… (Omitted: Explanation of the background of the party's founding and the dissolution process of preceding Democratic and Civic parties) aktiencheck.deapnews.com

2. The 19-Year Journey of LSD: "No Change Without Resistance"

Founded in October 2006 by left-wing grassroots activists, the LSD became a flagbearer of the radical faction with protests like throwing bananas in the Legislative Council and street demonstrations. They were always at the forefront, from the "Five Constituencies Referendum" campaign in 2010, supporting the Umbrella Movement in 2014, to backing the anti-extradition protests in 2019.rfa.org

3. The National Security Law and the "Second Martial Law"

The National Security Law (NSL), enacted in June 2020, broadly criminalized "secession," "subversion," "terrorism," and "collusion with foreign forces." By 2024, a local version of the "National Security Ordinance (Article 23)" was passed, further expanding investigative powers for security authorities. There have been 332 arrests, with a prosecution rate of about half.asahi.comreuters.com

4. Behind the Scenes of the Dissolution: "Decide by July 1"

According to internal testimonies obtained by RFA, the LSD received multiple calls and letters from the police intelligence department urging "voluntary dissolution" since April. The deadline was before the anniversary of the handover at the end of June. They were warned that refusal would lead to forced dissolution and seizure of accounting records.rfa.org

5. Reactions on Social Media: A Divided Timeline

• Grief and Despair

  • "Hong Kong is no longer an 'international city.' It's a surveillance city." (A man in his 20s living in Hong Kong)

  • "The last political party is gone. Next might be civic groups, and then us." (Former district councilor, female)

• Irony and Resignation

  • "Political parties in Hong Kong are no longer needed. Orders just come from above." (Media professional)

• Welcome and Praise (Pro-China Faction)

  • "The hotbed of violent protests has been eradicated. Stability is the key to prosperity." (Mainland China account)

On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #社民連解散 (#LSDDissolution) was posted about 75,000 times in 24 hours, temporarily topping the Hong Kong trends. Related words also ranked high in searches on Alibaba's Weibo.fnn.jp

6. The International Perspective: "The Death of One Country, Two Systems"

Major international media such as Reuters, AP, and Al Jazeera reported extensively on "the disappearance of the last pro-democracy party," and Amnesty International issued a statement calling it "a devastating setback for freedom of expression." The US and UK expressed serious concerns at the foreign ministry level, hinting at reconsidering sanctions against China.reuters.comaljazeera.comapnews.com

7. Impact on Business City Hong Kong

Hong Kong, as a financial center, has marketed itself as "rule of law separate from politics." However, after the introduction of the NSL, regional HQs of foreign companies have shifted to Singapore and Tokyo. With the zeroing out of political parties, distrust in "legal stability" has resurfaced, accelerating the withdrawal and dispersion of startups.

8. The Survival of Civil Society: Going Underground and Diaspora

Existing NGOs are rebranding as "cultural salons" or "religious activities" to maintain support networks under the surface. Young activists are relocating to Canada, Taiwan, and other places, broadcasting the situation in Hong Kong to the world online.

9. Future Scenarios

1. Establishment of a Super-Controlled Society Model: Security authorities combine "preemptive arrests" with administrative and financial pressure, continuously nipping civic movements in the bud.

2. Partial Revision Due to International Pressure: The review of economic and visa preferential measures by the EU and G7 hits the Hong Kong economy, prompting the government to soften its stance.

3. Reversal Through Generational Change: The "online public sphere" matures, centered on Generation Z, leading to a revival with a decentralized movement form.

10. Conclusion: "To Keep the Light From Going Out"

The slogan of the LSD, "No resistance, no change," is now carried on by Hong Kong diaspora around the world. Even if the placards on the streets disappear, words and memories on social media maintain solidarity, with overseas media and human rights organizations acting as watchdogs—this is the line of resistance in 2025.