The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) is a conservative (officially big tent) political party in Hong Kong that was founded in 1992 by 56 Beijing loyalists from leftist backgrounds. Its founders followed the Communist Party of China, but it claimed to be "rational and pragmatic", leading to it adopting conservative views. The party sought to further cooperation between China and Hong Kong, secure progress, stability, and harmony for Hong Kong, break down social barriers and be more accountable to the public, and to nurture political talent. The DAB also supported social welfare improvements such as greater education, housing, and employee retraining funding, and it had strong grassroots support. The DAB posed as a big tent party, but it came to support the middle class and professionals. The party also supported social conservatism, espousing traditional family values and opposing same-sex marriage.
The DAB initially had a more left-leaning orientation, influenced by its roots in the labor movement and connections with pro-communist organizations. Over time, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the DAB shifted towards a more conservative stance. This evolution was driven by a desire to appeal to a broader electorate and align more closely with the CCP's policies, especially after the 1997 handover. The party increasingly focused on issues of economic development and social stability, distancing itself from its earlier leftist roots and aligning more with conservative values typical of pro-Beijing politics. The DAB attracts support from business owners and professionals who favor stability and pro-business policies. Similar to broader pro-Beijing sentiment, older voters who prioritize social order and economic growth tend to support the DAB. The party finds strong backing in suburban districts and areas with less political activism, where concerns about economic development and security are paramount. Both the DAB and the HKFTU appeal to working-class voters, particularly those concerned with job security and economic stability. However, their approaches differ, with the HKFTU traditionally focusing on labor rights and welfare. While they may compete for some voter segments, especially in labor-related issues, the DAB often collaborates with the HKFTU on pro-Beijing initiatives. Their competition is less about direct electoral rivalry and more about positioning within the broader pro-establishment camp.
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