JOSHUA WONG, the poster boy for the US-backed Hong Kong riots, was arrested today on new charges under the Chinese territory’s national security law, as the authorities move against the main instigators of the 2019 disorder.

Mr Wong, who is already serving a 13-and-a-half month sentence for his role in the disturbances, was taken back to prison after giving a short statement.

His now disbanded Demosisto party was bankrolled by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which was established in 1983 “to do today what was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA,” according to the regime-change outfit’s founder Allen Weinstein.

Scores of those associated with the 2019 riots – which saw trade union buildings attacked, attempted bombings of hospitals and attacks on those perceived to be pro-Chinese – have been detained.

The US and allies have accused China of trampling on democracy in Hong Kong.

But the detained individuals are accused of seeking to cause damage to both Hong Kong and China through a 10-point plan for “mutual destruction.”

Their aims were detailed in an article by prominent opposition activist Benny Tai, who said the 10 steps included forcing the resignation of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the intensification of violent street protests and having international sanctions imposed on the Chinese Communist Party.