Joshua Wong, one of the most recognisable faces of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security. The plea, entered at the High Court in Hong Kong, marks the second time the 29-year-old activist has been convicted under the city's 2020 National Security Law, which was imposed by Beijing to suppress the mass protests that shook the territory a year earlier.
Wong, wearing a blue shirt and appearing thinner than in previous court appearances, confirmed the details of the prosecution's case. He is expected to be sentenced at a later date. The offence carries a prison term of three to ten years, or up to life imprisonment if deemed to be of a "grave nature." A guilty plea typically results in a reduced sentence.
Wong was already serving a four-year-and-eight-month sentence after pleading guilty in a separate national security case linked to an unofficial political primary. Before his arrest in June 2025 for the collusion-related offence, he had been expected to be released next January. Now, his sentence could be extended significantly.
A case that highlights the crackdown
Critics argue that Wong's prosecution demonstrates the authorities' determination to silence prominent dissidents and effectively freeze civic activism in Hong Kong. To Beijing, however, Wong is an anti-China figure who supports Hong Kong independence, a red line for a government that regards the territory as an inalienable part of China.
The prosecution alleged that Wong and Nathan Law, a former colleague and fellow activist, had agreed years ago to lobby internationally to achieve democratic self-determination for Hong Kong. Before the security law took effect, they and others sought foreign sanctions, blockades, or other hostile measures against Hong Kong and China. After the law was enacted, Law and others who left Hong Kong continued their efforts abroad, meeting foreign politicians and launching petition drives.
Wong supported these efforts from Hong Kong through foreign and social media, including sharing Law's posts, to draw international attention and "bolster the request for sanctions, blockade or other hostile measures," according to the prosecution. Prosecutors also noted that Wong shared Law's online petition urging digital forensic companies to stop cooperating with police on Facebook after the security law came into force. One company later announced it would cease selling digital intelligence offerings to customers in Hong Kong and China.
Wong's rise to prominence began in 2012 as a high school student leading protests against the introduction of national education in Hong Kong schools. His fame grew during the 2014 Occupy Movement, where he became a student leader. In 2016, he co-founded the political party Demosisto with fellow young activists, including Law, who became the city's youngest lawmaker that year.
During the leaderless 2019 protests, Wong helped seek overseas support for the democracy movement, including from the United States. Beijing condemned his actions, accusing him of "begging for foreign interference." Demosisto disbanded when the security law was imposed in 2020, which authorities described as necessary to restore social stability.
Before Wednesday's hearing, a supporter shouted "Hang in there" to Wong. A friend said Wong has been reading books, studying, learning guitar, and exercising in prison, exploring new hobbies and interests. The friend expressed hope that Wong would be released as soon as possible.
The case has drawn international attention, with human rights groups and foreign governments expressing concern over the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong. The European Union has repeatedly called for the protection of fundamental freedoms in the territory, but Beijing maintains that the security law is a matter of national sovereignty and internal affairs.
As Wong awaits sentencing, his case serves as a stark reminder of the tightening grip on dissent in Hong Kong, a city that once prided itself on its vibrant civil society and rule of law. The outcome of his sentencing will be closely watched by activists and observers across the region and beyond.
