National security brooks no challenge

Editor's note: Kong Qingjiang, a special commentator for CGTN, is the dean of the Academy for Foreign-related Rule of Law under the China University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

On November 5, Joshua Wong Chi-fung, an instigator of anti-China riots, was sentenced by the Hong Kong High Court to 10 years in prison after being convicted of conspiring with foreign forces under the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL). This ruling delivers a firm judicial verdict on acts that undermine national security and sends a clear message that no individual can challenge national security in the name of so-called freedom and democracy.

This is not Wong's first conviction. In November 2024, he was sentenced to 56 months in prison for conspiracy to subvert state power.

In 2014, Wong played a leading role in sabotaging national security in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), which blocked major thoroughfares in the region's central districts. During the 2019 protests against proposed amendments to the HKSAR's Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance, he incited protesters to besiege the Hong Kong Police Headquarters, disrupted traffic and escalated social confrontations. He helped found the now-disbanded political party Demosisto, openly promoted separatist narratives sought foreign intervention in Hong Kong affairs and lobbied the US to introduce so-called sanction bills.

Between July and November 2020, Wong was found to have colluded with fellow radical figure Nathan Law and others in efforts to plot and solicit foreign institutions and overseas personnel to impose sanctions, blockades and other hostile measures against the HKSAR and the Chinese mainland. He repeatedly lobbied foreign governments and international organizations to intervene in Hong Kong's legislative and judicial affairs, sought to undermine confidence in Hong Kong's rule of law and incite international pressure to disrupt regional governance.

From a legal perspective, Wong's conduct constituted a continuing offense, comprising a series of related acts committed over a single overarching intent to endanger national security. These deliberate and organized moves violated the core provisions of Hong Kong's NSL.

Wong was fully aware of the nature of his conduct. In September 2026, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign and external forces to endanger national security.

Wong's actions harmed national sovereignty, security and development interests, while seriously damaging Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. By inviting external political meddling in Hong Kong's domestic affairs, he undermined the constitutional order under the HKSAR Basic Law and the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.

Such collusion sought to turn Hong Kong into a frontline in efforts by external forces to contain China, thereby severely disrupting social order, eroding investor confidence and hindering Hong Kong's long-term development. His serious crimes posed a fundamental threat to national security and regional stability. For this criminal conduct, he ultimately received a 10-year prison sentence.

This sentencing comes as Hong Kong continues its transition from chaos to order and from order to prosperity. Throughout this transformation, Hong Kong's NSL has played a critical role in plugging institutional loopholes, ending prolonged social unrest and restoring a stable social and legal environment It has thus laid a solid foundation for the city's healthy development and long-term prosperity.

The Wong Chi-fung case underscores a fundamental truth: There is no freedom beyond the law. Freedom and democracy in Hong Kong must operate within the law and cannot override national security or legal boundaries. Any attempt to invoke freedom and democracy as a pretext for separatism, collusion with external forces and actions that damage national interests will inevitably face serious legal consequences. Wong's 10-year prison sentence serves as a warning that anyone who endangers national security will be held legally accountable.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to safeguard national security, consolidate its hard-won stablity and sustain its development momentum, while upholding the rule of law. Justice will be upheld and the bottom line of national security will never be compromised for the sake of unlawful political manipulation.

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