Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan, former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, have pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting subversion under the sweeping national security law imposed by China on Hong Kong in 2020.

The case centers on the alliance’s long-standing slogan calling for an end to one-party rule in China, which prosecutors argue amounted to encouraging unlawful efforts to overthrow the leadership of the ruling Communist Party.

Prosecutor Ned Lai told the court that freedoms of speech, assembly and association could not supersede national security legislation, accusing the defendants of attempting to frame the proceedings primarily as a human rights dispute.

“The freedoms of speech, association and assembly mentioned by D2 and D4 are not ‘trump cards’ that can override the law,” Lai said, referring to the defendants by their court identification numbers.

Defense lawyer Erik Shum, representing Lee, argued that prosecutors had failed to establish evidence showing what unlawful acts the alliance had allegedly urged residents to commit.

During earlier hearings, Lee rejected the prosecution’s interpretation of the slogan “ending one-party rule,” saying it referred to democratic reform rather than the removal of Communist Party leadership through illegal means. Chow, a barrister representing herself, argued that her writings were intended to encourage public understanding of democratic aspirations in mainland China rather than incite hatred or unlawful action.

A third defendant, veteran activist Albert Ho, pleaded guilty when proceedings opened in January, a move that could reduce his sentence if convicted.
The trial has become one of the most closely watched national security cases in Hong Kong since Beijing introduced the law following large-scale anti-government protests in 2019.

Critics, including international rights groups, say the legislation has sharply curtailed political dissent and civil liberties in the financial hub. Chinese and Hong Kong authorities maintain the law restored stability after months of unrest.

Amnesty International said the prosecution relied on “vague, overly broad and arbitrary definitions” of subversion and called for the charges against Chow and Lee to be dropped.

For decades, Hong Kong hosted the only large-scale public commemorations on Chinese soil marking the June 4 Tiananmen crackdown, drawing tens of thousands annually to candlelight vigils. Authorities banned the gatherings in 2020, citing pandemic restrictions, and the former vigil site has since hosted events organized by pro-Beijing groups.

The hearing is expected to continue into the afternoon, though judges have not indicated when a verdict may be delivered.

The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, comes as Beijing increases military and political pressure on Taiwan, which it claims as its territory. Cheng is visiting China on what she described as a “peace mission” aimed at reducing tensions.

Xi reiterated Beijing’s long-standing “One China” position, stating that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one nation and calling Taiwan independence the “chief culprit” undermining regional stability.

He urged collaboration between China’s Communist Party and Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang to promote national reunification.Cheng said she hoped to foster mutually beneficial relations and expand exchanges, adding that dialogue could help prevent the Taiwan Strait from becoming a flashpoint for international conflict.

Taiwan’s government rejected Beijing’s stance, with top policymaker Chiu Chui-cheng saying only Taiwan’s people could determine the island’s future and calling on China to engage with its democratically elected leadership.

Beijing has refused to hold talks with President Lai Ching-te, labeling him a separatist. The current divide traces back to 1949, when rival governments split after China’s civil war, with each side maintaining separate political systems.

All 495 lawmakers present endorsed his nomination, according to parliament, formalizing a dual leadership structure that departs from Vietnam’s long-standing system of collective governance.

Lam, who secured a second term earlier this year as head of the Communist Party of Vietnam, now holds both the top party and state positions for the next five years. Analysts say the concentration of authority could streamline policymaking but also raises concerns about increased centralization of power.

In a televised address after the vote, Lam pledged to pursue a new growth strategy driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, while emphasizing stability, self-reliance in defense and improvements in living standards.

The leadership shift marks a structural change in Vietnam’s political system, bringing it closer to models seen in other one-party states where power is concentrated in a single figure.

Observers say this could accelerate economic decision-making in the fast-growing Southeast Asian economy.Lam, 68, previously served as minister of public security and has promoted reforms aimed at boosting competitiveness and reducing reliance on low-cost manufacturing.

His policies have drawn both praise from investors and concerns over potential risks such as market distortions, favouritism and asset bubbles.Vietnam’s foreign policy is expected to remain broadly unchanged, with Lam continuing a balancing approach between major powers while expanding global partnerships.

The National Assembly is expected to appoint a new prime minister later on Tuesday to replace Pham Minh Chinh.