Quotes from Joshua Wong

I hope Hong Kong isn't just named Hong Kong but it can still be the Hong Kong we desire.

Our city finds itself in an uncomfortable place: on the frontline between freedom and auto_cracy.

Historically, Hong Kong has served as an important bridge between China and the world. Our freedoms, stability and the rule of law have been the reasons for our success.

I believe elitism in politics is over, and a new path to achieving democracy should be charted by young people who have the most at stake in the future of our city.

There's no doubt that the Chinese government is waging a full-fledged crackdown on Demosisto.

Hong Kong might be a small place, but its people make it unique. The iconic images of skyscrapers in this bustling metropolis are famous around the world, but it is the people of Hong Kong, standing up for their city on the streets, who make it truly great.

I'm optimistic Hong Kong will achieve universal suffrage - no matter the attitude of Beijing.

Some people say that given the government's firm stance against genuine universal suffrage, our demands are impossible to achieve. But I believe activism is about making the impossible possible.

Hong Kongers deserve universal suffrage.

I am absolutely certain that my unlawful detention by the Thai authorities was motivated by their fear of youth movements around the world.

Self-determination means the political and economic status of Hong Kong should be freely determined by the Hong Kong people.

We should, through civic referendums, determine our own pathways and political status after 2047, because in this lies the future of our democratic movement. If Hong Kong could exercise democratic self-governance under the sovereignty of China, it would not be necessary for us to take this step on the path toward independence.

For generations of Hong Kongers, the only means of upward mobility and the only way to meaningfully contribute to society have been to obtain a respectable university degree (preferably in business administration) and a professional accreditation (in finance, accounting, law or medicine).

Hong Kong people do not keep silent and I urge people around the world to keep their eyes on Hong Kong and the passion with which people are fighting for basic rights. We never give up and we will not be silenced.

In 2014, we were opposing President Xi Jinping. Five years later, we are opposing Emperor Xi Jinping.

I am one of the facilitators, helping to make the voice of Hongkongers heard in the international community. I also organize student class boycotts and provide assistance for high school students.

Being cut off from the outside world is scary.

The police force has repeatedly demonstrated an inability and unwillingness to carry out its fundamental mandate: to serve and protect the people of Hong Kong. It has been reduced to a mere instrument of repression subservient to the political agenda of Beijing's regime in Hong Kong.

Being an activist is not easy.

I think Hong Kong people's struggle for democracy is similar to David versus Goliath. But this struggle is not just about me.

Hong Kong has always been a symbol of the vibrant and free exchange of cultures, commerce and ideas. This reputation is threatened, however, in the face of China's efforts to increase its authoritarian control within its sphere of influence.

The Umbrella Movement was a legacy, not a victory, because there weren't any concrete policies or systematic reforms after it.

We do not believe in authoritarian rule.

We deserve to elect our own government.