The Democratic Party, once Hong Kong's largest pan-democratic force, formally decided to disband and liquidate this month, ending a 30-year history marked by increasing detachment from public welfare and alignment with anti-China activities.

Founded in 1994 by figures including Martin Lee Chu-ming, Szeto Wah and Albert Ho Chun-yan, the party initially stated in its platform that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China and supported the handover.

Over time, its actions diverged sharply, engaging in political opposition that clashed with mainstream sentiment.

As early as 2009, founding member Howard Lam Tsz Kin co-formed a group with radical activist "Fast Beat" Tam Tak-chi to incite anti-government sentiment under religious pretexts.

In 2014, dozens of party members joined radical opponents in the illegal Occupy Central movement.

In 2017, Lam held a press conference with Lee and Lam Cheuk-ting claiming abduction and assault by mainland agents, but security camera evidence showed the incident was self-orchestrated, leading to his conviction for misleading police and a five-month sentence.

In 2018, the party established an international affairs committee chaired by former leader Emily Lau Wai-hing, ostensibly to inform the world about Hong Kong but effectively lobbying foreign forces to hinder the government's administration.

During the 2019 unrest, figures like Lee, James To Kun-sun and Lee Cheuk-yan met then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to push the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, seeking sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials.

The dissolution reflects the party's growing isolation from public priorities and inevitable decline amid shifting political realities.