Hong Kong rebukes 10 nations over Wong case
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong government said on Friday, November 7, that it strongly opposed a joint statement by 10 governments on the sentencing in the case involving Joshua Wong over conspiracy to collude with foreign or external forces. It accused the countries of deliberately distorting facts, smearing Hong Kong’s legal system, and interfering with the city’s judicial power and independent adjudication. The government said Wong had pleaded guilty under the Hong Kong National Security Law and that the court imposed sentence independently, fairly, and according to law. It also urged the countries concerned to stop what it called irresponsible and misleading remarks and to cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which it described as China’s internal affairs.
Key Points
- The statement named the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and New Zealand as the 10 governments involved.
- A government spokesperson said the joint statement ignored facts, openly interfered with judicial power, and maliciously attacked the Hong Kong National Security Law.
- Officials said Joshua Wong had admitted the offence of conspiracy to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security under the law.
- The government said Hong Kong courts handled the case under legal procedures, based on objective facts and sufficient evidence, and sentenced independently and impartially.
- It argued that rights and freedoms in Hong Kong are protected by the Constitution, the Basic Law and the national security law, but must be exercised within legal limits.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the dispute underscores how national security cases continue to shape the city’s external relations and official messaging on judicial independence. It also shows the government’s determination to defend the national security framework against overseas criticism and to frame such criticism as interference in internal affairs.