The decision to dissolve the Democratic Party in Hong Kong, its largest opposition grouping, is stark confirmation of the city’s shifting political landscape. The move is not just about the end of a political entity but signals the near-total elimination of organised opposition in a city that once prided itself on its semi-autonomous governance and political pluralism. This marks the culmination of a years-long process that has systematically dismantled Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, leaving little room for dissent. The 2019 pro tests were a turning point.

The massive, city-wide demonstrations exposed deep dissatisfaction with Beijing’s increasing encroachment on Hong Kong’s freedoms. The response from the Chinese government was swift and unrelenting, with the imposition of the national security law in 2020 and sweeping electoral changes in 2021 under the so-called “patriots” framework. These measures ensured that only........

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