The MAC expressed "deep regret and sorrow" over the convictions and urged Beijing and the Hong Kong government to end what it described as political persecution and release those detained, according to the report.
Citing Hong Kong media outlet Sing Tao Daily, the Taipei Times reported that the convicted activists are former Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China chairman Lee Cheuk-yan and former vice chairwoman Chow Hang-tung. Former vice chairman Albert Ho pleaded guilty before the trial began.
The Hong Kong Alliance, dissolved in 2021, had for decades organised peaceful events commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown and advocated democracy and greater freedoms in China, according to the MAC.
The defendants were prosecuted under Hong Kong's National Security Law for allegedly inciting others to organise, plan or participate in activities intended to subvert state power between July 1, 2020, and September 8, 2021, the Taipei Times reported, citing Sing Tao Daily.
The MAC criticised the nearly five-year duration of the proceedings and the defendants' prolonged detention, saying the case had raised international concerns over human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong, while stressing that protecting these rights, along with freedom of speech and thought, is essential to maintaining the city's status as an international financial centre and ensuring its prosperity and stability, reported the Taipei Times.
The MAC expressed concern over Beijing and Hong Kong authorities' use of national security laws to suppress dissent, calling for an end to the crackdown and the release of those detained, the Taipei Times reported.
Taiwan on Saturday detected three sorties by PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 7 official ships operating around its territory, as per the Ministry of National Defence (MND).
it further observed that all three sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part of the ADIZ. "3 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 7 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 out of 3 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded."
On Friday, the MND said that it detected 7 PLAN vessels and 6 official ships operating around its territory.
It said on X, "7 PLAN vessels and 6 official ships operating around #Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded. No flight path illustration is provided, as we did not detect #PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan during this timeframe."
On Thursday, the MND said that it detected 7 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 6 official ships operating around Taiwan. As per the MND, 5 out of 7 sortie entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern parts of the ADIZ.
China's claim over Taiwan is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a viewpoint embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements.
Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its government, military, and economy. Taiwan's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India.
China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga.