WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hong Kong pro‑democracy activist Joshua Wong, 30, was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to foreign collusion, marking his second conviction under the city’s national security law.

The court found Wong had coordinated with exiled activist Nathan Law to urge foreign governments to impose sanctions, blockades or other hostile measures against China. Prosecutors said the alleged scheme threatened national security, while human‑rights groups argue the charge is a tool to silence dissent. The sentencing follows a 2020 imprisonment that lasted three years.

“We are deeply concerned that this ruling further erodes the rule of law and could deter foreign investment in Hong Kong,” said John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, in a statement released after the verdict. “The United States will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Hong Kong’s status as an international financial hub has already been tested. The city’s GDP grew 2.7 % in 2023, but foreign direct investment fell 12 % year‑on‑year, according to the Trade Development Council. The Hang Seng Index slipped roughly 4 % in the two days following the sentencing, reflecting heightened investor anxiety over legal and political risk.

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce warned that “persistent uncertainty around the national security framework creates a chilling effect for businesses that rely on transparent legal processes.” The chamber urged the government to provide clearer guidelines to protect commercial operations and maintain the city’s competitive edge.

Key Takeaways

• Wong’s 10‑year term is his second conviction under the national security law, highlighting a pattern of punitive measures against opposition figures.
• U.S. officials have expressed concern that the ruling could further undermine Hong Kong’s rule‑of‑law reputation and deter foreign capital.
• Recent economic data show a 12 % drop in foreign direct investment and a 4 % decline in the Hang Seng Index after the verdict.

The sentencing underscores the tightening of political controls in Hong Kong and raises fresh questions about the territory’s appeal to global investors who weigh legal certainty alongside market opportunities.