(Hong Kong — June 13, 2025) China Labour Bulletin, a Hong Kong-based civil society group focused on China, announced its dissolution on Thursday evening (June 12), becoming the latest organization to cease operations following the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law.
Founded in 1994, China Labour Bulletin was dedicated to advancing the labor movement in China and was a long-standing non-governmental organization focused on Chinese labor rights. It was established by Han Dongfang, a leader of the workers’ movement during the 1989 pro-democracy protests and a co-founder of the Beijing Workers’ Autonomous Federation.
Key Activities
Over the years, the organization closely monitored major labor disputes across China, assisting workers whose rights had been violated in seeking their compensation. It regularly updated a nationwide strike map and published reports on companies and industries known to have labor issues.
Reason for Dissolution
The organization’s official website announced, citing difficulties with finances and debt, “the company can no longer maintain operations and has decided to dissolve and initiate the relevant procedures.” The notice stated that its website and social media pages would stop updating.
Political & Legal Context
Since Beijing implemented the National Security Law in 2020, dismantling the civil rights that protected Hong Kong’s semi-autonomous status, numerous civil society groups focused on China have either closed or withdrawn their operations. China Labour Bulletin persisted in operating in Hong Kong until it announced its closure on Thursday. Its signage has already been removed.
Rising Risk & Security Pressure
According to its official introduction, China Labour Bulletin’s funding sources were diverse, including governments, public institutions, trade unions, and private foundations, all from outside China.
There are concerns that China Labour Bulletin and Han Dongfang could become targets as Beijing tightens control over Hong Kong under the pretext of national security.
Just hours before China Labour Bulletin announced its closure on Thursday evening, Hong Kong national security authorities searched the homes of six individuals and the office of one organization, stating that the organization was suspected of “colluding with foreign or external forces to endanger national security.” The authorities did not disclose the names of those individuals or the organization.
(ChinaAid Association)
