On December 15, 2025, the verdict in the case of Hong Kong's former pro-democracy media tycoon Li Zhiying was announced. The image is a file photo. (Song Bilong / Dajiyuan)
[People News] During the Spring Festival, while enjoying a joyful reunion with my family, I was suddenly reminded of Mr Li Zhiying, who is currently imprisoned. He is the same age as I am, and for the sake of Hong Kong's democratic freedoms, he endures solitary confinement in a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) prison, resolutely reflecting on the passage of time while steadfastly maintaining his moral integrity. This thought fills me with deep sorrow and indignation.
Li Zhiying has dedicated himself to the Hong Kong democratic movement and has been sentenced to twenty years in prison by the CCP's unjust court. The oppressive authoritarian regime of the CCP has starkly revealed the dark nature of what is termed Chinese-style socialism.
With a worldview that champions universal values and dismisses the waning authoritarianism of the CCP, Li Zhiying embodies a remarkable moral courage that sets him apart. In comparison to many resilient leaders of the democratic movement and rights advocates on the mainland, Li Zhiying demonstrates extraordinary bravery and selflessness. While many mainland democrats find themselves powerless and must endure the hardships of imprisonment, Li Zhiying had the option to escape the CCP's grasp, yet he chose to remain and share the fate of Hong Kong.
Such a choice requires an unwavering commitment to personal beliefs and a profound inner moral strength, as it entails accepting immense and unpredictable suffering for oneself and inflicting long-lasting pain on one's family. In making this decision, he prioritises the shared values and long-term interests of the people of Hong Kong.
I have only met Mr Li Zhiying once, and my personal understanding of him is quite limited. However, from his public activities over the years, it is clear that he is deeply despised by the Chinese Communist Party and highly regarded by the people of Hong Kong because he embodies a unique personality trait that reflects the spirit of Hong Kong.
Li Zhiying demonstrates extraordinary courage and resilience, likely shaped by the hardships he faced in his youth. At just ten years old, he crossed the border alone to Hong Kong, struggling to survive in an unfamiliar city. The suffering and challenges he encountered during that time are known to no one, but he persevered, worked hard to succeed in his studies, and achieved success in business, continuously expanding his horizons and creating an extraordinary life for himself, which is truly admirable.
Li Zhiying also possesses remarkable wisdom and determination. Even when he was broke, he dared to dream about his future, took risks in entrepreneurship, and made significant progress in the competitive business landscape of Hong Kong. Emerging from a crowd of millions, he had to navigate various complex challenges and make visionary choices, which required exceptional talent.
Furthermore, Li Zhiying has a strong sense of patriotism. Not only has he achieved personal success, but he also strives for a fair and progressive society, using his achievements to benefit the majority and paving the way for the advancement of the people of Hong Kong through personal sacrifice. This principle sets him apart from profit-driven businessmen. He does not indulge in personal gain but prioritises the public interest over personal honour and disgrace.
Li Zhiying possesses a strong sense of right and wrong, along with a firm stance against powerful authorities and malevolent forces. Following the events of June Fourth, he boldly criticised Li Peng and has been actively involved in the Hong Kong democratic movement for many years. He was willing to take to the streets and even travel abroad to seek assistance from democratic nations. When he recognised the perilous nature of his situation, he did not shy away but chose to confront political oppression directly. His strong sense of morality transcends personal interests, reaching a spiritual level that is hard for most to attain.
During that time, hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong residents took to the streets to fight for their rights, filled with passion and eagerness to participate. However, as the democratic movement faced setbacks and political persecution loomed, many lost interest, and a few shifted their allegiances. Yet, it was still Li Zhiying who stood at the forefront of the struggle.
Li Zhiying is authentic; he is clear about his likes and dislikes and never conceals his true feelings. He speaks out when reasoning is needed, laughs heartily when he is happy, expresses anger when necessary, and is unafraid to shed tears in moments of sorrow or indignation. He is the type of person who openly displays his emotions, lives life fully, and takes responsibility for his own fortunes and misfortunes.
We typically assess a person's inner world through their words and actions. Over the years, I have observed that Li Zhiying is a distinctive individual. He is both a successful businessman and an active participant in the democratic movement, present among the people and also leading them. He maintains collective honour while standing firm in his personal integrity, embodying both individual characteristics and the shared worldview and values of the people of Hong Kong.
Even when observing the world today, the political leaders who continue to fight for their nations' destinies, alongside Li Zhiying, are by no means inferior; in fact, in certain aspects, he shines even more brightly and possesses a more profound emotional impact. He is a hero of our time, a symbol of the commitment of the people of Hong Kong and, indeed, of China, to the democratic movement.
It is said in the community that Li Zhiying often curses at people in his company, even using foul language, which I find unsurprising. A person in charge of managing a company must be clear about rewards and punishments, ensuring that employees understand what actions are correct and which are completely unacceptable. If he uses foul language, it may stem from habits formed during his earlier days in the community; in the lower echelons of Hong Kong society, cursing is quite common, yet among the rough, there are heroes who are more relatable than those wealthy and influential merchants.
I have also heard that he is generous in rewarding employees who make significant contributions. Valuing and nurturing talent, weeding out those who are unproductive and mediocre, and correcting unhealthy practices within the company are indeed the daily responsibilities of a successful manager. Even if some disagree, it is simply a matter of differing perspectives.
No one is perfect, and neither is Li Zhiying. However, in this vast world, if you are seeking a like-minded friend, I believe Li Zhiying fits that description. Recently, Li Zhiying's daughter, Li Cai, accepted an invitation from the U.S. Congress to attend President Trump's State of the Union address, which signifies the special recognition that the United States extends to Li Zhiying and affirms that he belongs not only to Hong Kong but to the world. Regardless of whether he will be able to walk out of prison during his lifetime, he will outlast those dictatorial villains who persecute him; he will endure in history and in our hearts.
(Author's Facebook) △
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