TAIPEI, Taiwan – Hong Kong activists and dissidents who have sought refuge in Taiwan are increasingly experiencing a targeted campaign of transnational repression, characterised by recent acts of vandalism and legal challenges, according to Taiwanese officials and human rights organisations.

The campaign, which has evolved in its tactics, suggests a concerted effort to silence critical voices outside mainland China and Hong Kong. It highlights the vulnerabilities faced by the approximately 50,000 Hong Kongers who have relocated to Taiwan since the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests and the subsequent imposition of Beijing’s National Security Law (NSL).

Recent Incidents Target Prominent Activist

Henry Tong Wai-hung, a Hong Kong national and owner of a Muay Thai studio in Taipei’s Shilin District, known as Fu Tong, has been central to recent incidents. His premises were vandalised with red paint and leaflets accusing him of absconding with debt in early February 2026. This followed a similar attack in November 2025.

These acts of vandalism coincided with Hong Kong authorities issuing an arrest warrant against Fu Tong under the NSL, citing charges of subversion related to his activism in Taiwan. Fu Tong’s wife, Elaine To, expressed concerns regarding the police’s initial handling of the crime scene during a press conference outside Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan on 5 February.

A dual Hong Kong-Taiwan national, suspected of involvement in the November 2025 attack, was detained for questioning upon re-entering Taiwan but subsequently released and allowed to return to Hong Kong. An alleged female accomplice was also summoned, but both individuals reportedly cited illness for their inability to attend a scheduled police appointment on 5 February.

Evolving Tactics of Repression

These incidents are part of a broader pattern of transnational repression against Hong Kong dissidents globally. Hsiao I-min, deputy executive manager of Taiwan’s Association for Victim Support, noted a significant shift in perpetrators’ tactics. “Previously, these actions were by paid gangsters or pro-China, United Front figures. Now, they send so-called tourists directly from Hong Kong or China,” Hsiao stated.

This evolving approach was also evidenced in October 2024, when two Chinese nationals confronted Fu Tong and other activists at a protest in Taipei’s Ximending neighbourhood, leading to their deportation. Earlier high-profile cases include paint attacks on singer Denise Ho in 2019 and bookseller Lam Wing-kee in 2020, as well as an attack on the Aegis restaurant in 2020, which involved assailants reportedly paid by a Chinese national.

Lam Wing-kee, a prominent Hong Kong bookseller who moved to Taiwan in 2019 after being detained in China for selling books critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has consistently warned of Beijing’s transnational repression threats.

Taiwan’s Response and Calls for Legal Reform

Under President Lai Ching-te’s administration, which commenced in May 2024, Taiwan has reportedly adopted a tougher stance against such activities. Measures include tightened controls on capital flows from China, increased prosecutions, and enhanced counter-surveillance for at-risk Hong Kongers. Eric Poon Tin-wai, a Hong Kong-born lawyer and political commentator known as Sang-pu, observed, “The Lai government has been stepping up on this. The response to Fu Tong’s case showed this.”

Despite these efforts, concerns persist regarding the current legal framework. Hsiao I-min argued that crimes such as the paint attacks should be reclassified beyond mere property damage, suggesting they endanger public safety (Article 151 of the Criminal Code) or constitute interference by foreign hostile forces (Article 6 of the Anti-Infiltration Act). Human rights groups, including Amnesty International Taiwan, advocate for legal reforms, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and public awareness campaigns.

“Raising public awareness that [transnational repression] constitutes a human rights violation is also vital,” said Teo Zhong-cze, deputy director of Amnesty International Taiwan.

Impact on Dissidents and Community Trust

The repercussions for activists like Fu Tong are significant, with the recent incidents placing his livelihood at risk due to landlord complaints. Kacey Wong, an artist and activist, noted a “renaissance” in Taiwan’s approach to political refugees since their arrival, moving past initial suspicions towards a more trusting cooperation, a sentiment echoed by Lim Wing-tat, former chairman of Hong Kong’s Democratic Party.

However, Candia Tong, a researcher resident in Taiwan for 15 years, highlighted a past lack of understanding among officials regarding transnational repression, sometimes viewing it as an internal Hong Kong community issue rather than a national security threat. She observes a shift in this mindset, with government officials increasingly recognising it as a threat to Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Benedict Rogers, co-founder of Hong Kong Watch, urged Taiwan to “intensify its efforts to safeguard its freedom and security,” calling for global democratic coordination against transnational repression.