Taiwan's presidential office backs Joshua Wong, urges China to stop persecuting democracy activists

Sep 03, 2026

Taiwan has publicly sided with jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong, who faces a possible life sentence — a sharp signal that Taipei sees Hong Kong's fate as a warning about Beijing's promises.

  • Joshua Wong is charged under Hong Kong's national security law with conspiring with foreign forces, and could be jailed for life.
  • Taiwan's presidential office called on Beijing to stop silencing dissent in the name of national security and to free those it has wrongly locked up.
  • Taipei says China and the Hong Kong government have used the security law as a tool to endlessly prosecute Wong and other activists, wrecking Hong Kong's courts and rule of law.
  • The case is being held up as a global example of what political crackdown looks like — bad for Hong Kong's remaining activists, and useful ammunition for Taiwan.

Outlook: Wong's trial will likely end in a heavy sentence, hardening Taiwan's argument that Beijing's guarantees cannot be trusted.

← Latest · Archive