What Changed
- Wong Chi-fung pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit collusion under Article 29 of the HKNSL.
- The court clarified that the HKNSL carries no retrospective effect, convicting Wong for post-promulgation acts.
- The HKSAR Government reiterated that judicial power is exercised independently under Basic Law Articles 2, 19, and 85.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) issued a statement on November 6, 2026, strongly condemning criticisms from foreign governments led by the United States, anti-China media, overseas organisations, and politicians regarding the sentencing of Wong Chi-fung. Wong was sentenced after pleading guilty to the charge of "conspiracy to commit collusion with foreign countries or with external elements to endanger national security" under Article 29 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL).
An HKSAR Government spokesman stated that Wong's guilty plea was entered after he obtained legal advice, including from Senior Counsel, and had sufficient time to consider the prosecution's evidence. The spokesman affirmed that under Articles 2, 19, and 85 of the Basic Law, judicial power is exercised independently by the Judiciary without interference. The spokesman added that Wong retains the legal right to appeal his sentence.
Clarifying the legal basis of the judgment, the spokesman noted that the court emphasized the HKNSL has no retrospective effect. Wong was not penalized for activities prior to the law's promulgation or for his political ideology, but for continuing a conspiracy after the HKNSL came into effect. According to the spokesman, Wong admitted to conspiring with absconder Law Kwun-chung and others to solicit foreign countries or external elements, including the United States, to impose sanctions, blockades, or hostile actions against the People's Republic of China, the HKSAR, and their officials.
The HKSAR Government stated that offenses under the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) target specific national security violations while protecting law-abiding residents. The spokesman highlighted Hong Kong's ongoing position as an international financial hub, referencing events such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers' Meeting, the upcoming 94th INTERPOL General Assembly, and high rankings in reports by the Fraser Institute and the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). The government reaffirmed its commitment to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect national security while safeguarding rights and freedoms in accordance with the law.
Who May Be Affected
Legal professionals, individuals subject to national security legislation, foreign entities, and international organizations observing HKSAR judicial proceedings.
Cross-Border Context
The case involves allegations of soliciting foreign countries, including the United States, to impose sanctions or blockades against the People's Republic of China, the HKSAR, and their officials.
What to check next
- Official HKSAR Judiciary press releases or judgment records regarding the sentencing of Wong Chi-fung under Article 29 of the HKNSL.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.