Activist Joshua Wong on Hong Kong's future

A prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist has called on the international community to "stand with Hong Kong", following the imposition by Beijing of a new national security law in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

Wong spoke on Monday after his latest court appearance, on a charge which predates the new law.

"We still hope to let the world know that now is the time to stand with Hong Kong, and now is the time for Hong Kongers to keep our momentum," Wong said, standing alongside pro-democracy activists Agnes Chow and Ivan Lam, who also appeared in court Monday over charges related to a protest last June.

Chow pleaded guilty to inciting others to participate in an unlawful assembly, as well as to participating in an unauthorised assembly.

Wong, who was indicted on similar charges, pleaded not guilty.

Lam, who was charged with inciting others to participate in an unlawful assembly, also pleaded not guilty.

All three were released on bail.

The cases will move to trial and sentencing following a pretrial review for Wong and Lam, which is scheduled for August 5.

The security law, imposed last week following anti-government protests in Hong Kong last year, makes secessionist, subversive, or terrorist activities illegal, as well as foreign intervention in the city’s internal affairs.

Any person taking part in activities such as shouting slogans or holding up banners and flags calling for the city’s independence is violating the law regardless of whether violence is used.

On Monday, 23-year-old Tong Ying-kit become the first person in Hong Kong to be charged under the new law, for allegedly driving a motorcycle into a group of policemen while bearing a flag with the "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time" slogan.

Tong appeared in court on charges of incitement to secession and terrorist activities.

He was denied bail and remanded in custody.

(Representative Image)