• Joshua Wong is charged with conspiring to collude with foreign forces under national security law.
• This is Wong's second charge under the law, following a conviction for subversion.
• The alleged offenses occurred between July and November 2020.
• The charge could lead to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
• Authorities maintain the law is necessary for stability, while critics view it as a tool for suppressing dissent.

Joshua Wong, a prominent Hong Kong activist, faced new charges on June 6, 2025, accusing him of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the Beijing-imposed national security law. Authorities allege that Wong conspired with exiled activist Nathan Law and others during a period from July to November 2020 to encourage foreign entities to impose sanctions and other actions against Hong Kong and China, which was said to disrupt governmental policies and operations. The charge could lead to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, according to SCMP, Channel News Asia, and LA Times.

This latest charge comes against the backdrop of Wong's previous conviction under the same national security law. He was sentenced to 56 months in prison for his involvement in an unofficial primary election seen as subversive by the authorities. Wong has been incarcerated since November 2020 and was initially expected to be released in January 2027. During the court proceedings, Wong confirmed he understood the charge but did not apply for bail, following a scheduled adjournment to August 8, as reported by Channel News Asia and LA Times.

The ramifications of the security law have been significant, with critics asserting that it has been leveraged to suppress free speech and dismantle the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. Amnesty International's China Director remarked that Wong's prosecution illustrates the severe tension surrounding civic activism, dubbing it a measure to maintain control over dissent. The Hong Kong government persists in its stance that the national security law is crucial for restoring order following widespread protests in 2019, according to SCMP, Channel News Asia, and LA Times.