Veteran Hong Kong trade unionist Lee Cheuk-yan said during his trial on national security charges that the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown shaped his “lifelong commitment” to workers’ rights and democracy.
Testifying in the national security trial of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, Lee traced his path from engineer to unionist after witnessing poverty among Hong Kong’s boat dwellers. He went on to spend decades advocating for workers, from industrial safety to union organising—until his arrest in 2021.
Recalling the night of 3 June 1989 in Beijing, Lee described hearing gunfire as the crackdown unfolded. Detained for two days after helping others leave, he called the experience “a baptism”, recalling how witnessing the injured, the dead, and hearing firsthand accounts of the crackdown deepened his sense of responsibility to “tell the world the truth.”
He also highlighted the role of public support from Hong Kong during his detention: “It was Hong Kong people who saved me.” That experience, he said, strengthened his resolve to continue advocating for democracy in both Hong Kong and mainland China.
At the centre of the case is the slogan “end one-party rule.” Prosecutors say it amounts to subversion. Lee disagrees, arguing it reflects opposition to authoritarian, not a call for overthrow.
“Ending one-party rule is only the first step toward democracy in China; it should be up to the people to decide whether the Chinese Communist Party continues to lead,” he told the court. He argued that basic civil rights must be protected in order for civil society, including trade unions to function effectively. Without freedom of expression, he said, meaningful discussion about democracy or workers’ rights is impossible.
Lee is on trial alongside Chow Hang-tung. Both deny the charges, which carry up to 10 years in prison.
Lee and Chow Hang-tung, former Hong Kong Alliance leaders who organised the annual vigils, have pleaded not guilty to “incitement to subversion,” an offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Why this case matters for labour movements
Lee Cheuk-yan’s testimony highlights a stark reality: labour rights cannot exist without civil liberties. His case raises urgent questions about whether trade unions can still organise and speak out under growing restrictions.
For union movements worldwide, this is a warning: when democratic space shrinks, workers’ rights are among the first to suffer.
International trade unions and labour rights supporters are encouraged to continue monitoring the proceedings.