Hong Kong: Prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty to collusion with foreign entities under the city’s National Security Law, with sentencing to take place at a later date.

Wong, 29, entered the plea at the High Court on September 2 in a case that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He is already serving a four year and eight month sentence for conspiracy to commit subversion following his conviction in 2024. His existing sentence is due to end in January 2027.

The latest case concerns activities between July and November 2020 involving Wong, exiled activist Nathan Law and others. Prosecutors allege that they sought support from foreign countries, organisations and individuals for sanctions or other measures against Hong Kong and China.

The prosecution also presented Wong’s involvement in international lobbying efforts, including advocacy linked to the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act passed by the US in 2019. Wong did not dispute the allegations when they were presented in court.

Wong became prominent as a teenage activist during Hong Kong’s 2014 Umbrella Movement and was later a leading figure in the pro democracy movement during the 2019 protests. He was also a co founder of Demosistō, a political group that was dissolved in 2020 following the introduction of the National Security Law.

The National Security Law was imposed in Hong Kong by Beijing in June 2020 and criminalises acts including secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have defended the legislation as necessary for national security and stability, while critics have raised concerns about its impact on political freedoms and dissent.

Wong’s guilty plea could affect the eventual sentence, although the court has not yet announced a date for sentencing. His defence lawyer has asked for leniency, citing the period Wong has already spent in prison and his conduct during his incarceration.

The case is being closely followed as Hong Kong continues to apply the National Security Law to cases involving political activism and alleged foreign involvement.

Wong’s prosecution also highlights the continuing tension between the authorities’ emphasis on national security and critics’ concerns about the space available for political dissent in the territory.