Legal Cases Regarding National Security and Foreign Influence in Hong Kong and the US

May 14, 2026, 08:36
ChinaPolitics

Introduction

Recent court cases involve people accused of working with foreign powers to undermine the government in Hong Kong, as well as a US citizen convicted of running an illegal Chinese government office.

Main Body

In Hong Kong, the case of Joshua Wong has moved to the High Court. Wong is accused of conspiring with Nathan Law and others in 2020 to ask foreign governments to impose sanctions on China. Because the case is now in a higher court, he could face a much longer sentence, potentially up to life imprisonment, under the 2020 national security laws. Furthermore, Hong Kong police have charged three men—Wong Kit-lun, Tang Ngai-pok, and Chan Hiu-chun—with conspiring to overthrow state power. These charges followed a December 2023 operation against a group that was allegedly practicing illegal military-style combat and weapons training in Kowloon. Meanwhile, in the United States, a US citizen named Lu Jianwang has been convicted of acting as an illegal agent for a foreign government. Prosecutors proved that Lu helped run a secret police station in Manhattan's Chinatown. This office was reportedly managed by China's Ministry of Public Security to track and frighten political dissidents. Additionally, Lu was found guilty of obstructing justice because he deleted electronic messages. Although his lawyers argued that these were simply mistakes made by a community leader, the court disagreed. Lu is currently on bail and could face up to 30 years in prison.

Conclusion

These events show an increase in national security lawsuits in Hong Kong and a firm legal response in the US against illegal foreign government operations.

Learning

⚡ The Power of "Connecting Words"

At the A2 level, students use simple sentences: "He is in court. He could go to prison." To reach B2, you must blend ideas using Advanced Connectors. Look at how the text links complex legal concepts:

  • "Furthermore" →\rightarrow Used to add a new, serious point. It is a stronger version of "and also."
  • "Meanwhile" →\rightarrow Used to jump to a different location or story happening at the same time. It creates a bridge between Hong Kong and the US.
  • "Additionally" →\rightarrow Similar to "furthermore," it adds a supporting fact to a list of accusations.
  • "Although" →\rightarrow This is a B2 essential. It connects a fact with a contradiction (Although his lawyers argued X, the court decided Y).

🛠️ Upgrading Your Vocabulary: From Basic to Precise

B2 speakers don't just use "bad" or "wrong"; they use specific legal and formal terms. Compare these shifts found in the text:

A2 (Basic)B2 (Precise)Context in Article
Plan togetherConspiring...conspiring with Nathan Law...
Stop / BlockObstructing...obstructing justice...
Say it happenedAllegedly...allegedly practicing illegal combat...
Put a penaltyImpose sanctions...to impose sanctions on China.

🧠 Grammar Logic: The "Could" of Possibility

Notice the phrase: "he could face a much longer sentence."

In B2 English, we use modal verbs to avoid sounding too certain when talking about the future or legal outcomes. Instead of saying "He will go to prison" (which is a 100% fact), we use could to show a possibility based on current laws. This nuance is exactly what examiners look for in B2 speaking and writing.

Vocabulary Learning

conspiring (v.)
Planning secretly with others to do something, often illegal.
Example:The suspects were found conspiring to sabotage the bridge.
impose (v.)
To force or require something to be accepted or followed.
Example:The new regulations will impose strict limits on emissions.
sanctions (n.)
Official penalties or restrictions imposed by a government or international body.
Example:The country faced sanctions for violating human rights.
overthrow (v.)
To remove someone from power, usually by force.
Example:The rebels planned to overthrow the dictator.
illegal (adj.)
Not allowed by law.
Example:He was arrested for illegal gambling.
military-style (adj.)
Resembling or similar to military training or equipment.
Example:The school introduced a military-style discipline program.
combat (n.)
A fight or battle between armed forces.
Example:The troops engaged in intense combat on the front line.
training (n.)
The process of learning or teaching skills.
Example:The training helped the new recruits learn basic tactics.
obstructing (v.)
Interfering with the progress or function of something.
Example:She was charged with obstructing the investigation.
justice (n.)
Fair treatment or the system that enforces laws.
Example:The judge aimed to deliver justice to the victims.
deleted (v.)
Removed or erased.
Example:He deleted the confidential files from his computer.
electronic (adj.)
Relating to electricity or computers.
Example:Electronic devices are becoming more common.
bail (n.)
Money paid to secure release from custody.
Example:He posted bail to stay free while awaiting trial.
convicted (adj.)
Found guilty by a court.
Example:The man was convicted of fraud.
prosecutors (n.)
Lawyers who bring criminal charges.
Example:Prosecutors presented evidence at the trial.
secret (adj.)
Hidden or not known publicly.
Example:They held a secret meeting to plan the strategy.