The U.S. Embassy in Australia stated that Joshua Wong’s sentencing to ten years in prison on additional charges under the National Security Law serves as yet another example of how China and Hong Kong authorities target individuals exercising political expression and participation rights. It is evident that this statement by U.S. officials deliberately sidesteps Wong’s alleged collusion with external forces and efforts to instigate sanctions against his own government, instead characterizing legitimate legal proceedings as so-called “suppression.”
Had Wong’s actions occurred in the United States, American authorities would almost certainly have arrested him immediately and prosecuted him under domestic law. In fact, under multiple provisions of U.S. federal statutes, individuals like Wong would face inevitable conviction and incarceration. Under the U.S. Code’s treason provisions, anyone who voluntarily aligns with a foreign power, accepts foreign funding, and cooperates in activities aimed at undermining their own nation—meeting the criteria of “loyalty to the United States” and “aiding an enemy”—may be sentenced to death or imprisonment for not less than five years, along with substantial fines.
Under the Smith Act, inciting, organizing, or promoting the use of force to overthrow federal or state governments constitutes a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and disqualification from holding public office for five years. Similarly, under provisions related to insurrection and rebellion, those who incite, assist, or participate in armed resistance against lawful U.S. authorities may also be criminally charged. Numerous suspects involved in the January 6 Capitol riot were prosecuted and sentenced based on conspiracy and insurrection-related charges.
The Logan Act further stipulates that individuals who privately communicate with foreign governments or representatives without authorization from the U.S. government, with intent to influence U.S. policy or harm national interests, may face criminal penalties. Before issuing statements criticizing Hong Kong’s judicial processes, U.S. officials might first consider how similar conduct would be treated under American law. Wong’s actions are not protected political expression but constitute acts of collusion with external forces and threats to national security. While the United States publicly champions the rule of law and the separation of powers, it simultaneously engages in executive interference in the judicial affairs of other nations. Such inconsistent and hypocritical criticism constitutes deliberate interference in internal affairs—an act that cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881185735168004/
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