Ho Yin was born in Panyu, in the Pearl River Delta region, 100 km (62 mi) north of Macau on 1 December 1908, when China was still ruled by the imperial family of the Qing Dynasty.

[1] He was an important diplomatic intermediary between the People's Republic of China and the anti-Communist Estado Novo regime in Portugal, which existed between 1933 and 1974.

[5] In 1941, the Japanese finally occupied Hong Kong and consequently Ho took refuge in Macau, then a colony of Portugal, who remained neutral during the Second World War.

[10] Gold smuggling in Macau was monopolised and handled by the Ng Fuk Tong or "Five Good Fortunes Association", itself a subsidiary of Tai Hing Company, the gambling monopoly.

As the anti-communist and authoritarian Estado Novo regime of António Salazar only recognised Taiwan ruled by Nationalist General Chiang Kai-shek as the "Republic of China", Ho became an important diplomatic intermediary between Lisbon and Beijing.

[19] Ho was accorded the status of "special guest" at the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference from the second session of its National Committee, which was held in Beijing between 30 January and 7 February 1956.

This erupted following the sales embargo imposed on China by Portugal, under pressure from its Western allies, and a visit by the Portuguese Overseas Minister, Sarmento Rodrigues.

[20] Ho formed part of a delegation to Beijing, which was able to secure a written apology and compensation from the Portuguese administration in Macau.

Following the authorities unwillingness to grant permits for the building of a school on Taipa Island, violence broke out between local people and the Macau Police.

[21] This escalated into demonstrations outside the Palácio do Governo, the seat of government, in support of the Taipa residents, shouting slogans and reading aloud from the Little Red Book.

[2] With China's diplomatic victory in Macau, Ho was the Chinese representative in a proposed meeting with Sir Jack Cater on the settlement of the 1967 riot in Hong Kong.