Chan Po-ying

Chan Po-ying is a Hong Kong left-wing activist and the final chairperson of League of Social Democrats. She was described as one of the remaining opposition voices in the city following the national security crackdown which forced her to disband the last active pro-democracy party in Hong Kong.

Early activism Born in British Hong Kong to a family migrated from China, Chan Po-ying came of age during the emerging social movements, such as Vietnam War protests, civil rights movement, and women's suffrage movement, and heavily influenced her views. Chan joined the Trotskyist party Revolutionary Marxist League in around 1975 and met Leung Kwok-hung, then a member. Her father disowned her for participating in politics, before studying social work in university at 30. Chan is also dedicated to advocate labour rights and rights of women and poor, and supported the victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

League of Social Democrats League of Social Democrats (LSD) was formed in 2006, positioning itself at the radical left-wing of the pan-democracy camp striving for better livelihood of the grassroots. Chan was one of the founding members, joining Leung Kwok-hung, Wong Yuk-man, Andrew To, and others. While not a formal grandee of the party, she was one of the key coordinators of street activism, such as protesting against constitutional reform in 2007, the Express Rail Link in 2008, and in 2010 supporting the self-branded "referendum" by-election.

Despite the continued suppression of pro-democracy camp, Chan remained committed to activism at street booths, rallying against several government's policies and budget or raising concerns on housing and elderly issues. As a result, she and other party activists were charged with illegal fundraising or posters, which they described as an oppression against freedom of speech. The bank accounts of the LSD and several party members, including Chan, were terminated in 2023. Chan accused the banks were politically motivated to make the decision. They were also found guilty of the charges and fined afterwards. The disbandment of the last standing pro-democracy party marks the end of opposition bloc in Hong Kong.

Personal life Chan was divorced before she married her long-time partner Leung Kwok-hung in January 2021, after Leung was arrested by the national security police as part of the Hong Kong 47. During an interview Chan described Leung as a "troublesome guy" when they first met in the 1970s, and the 2005 anti-WTO riot solidified their bond.