This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
On November 17, 2019, Hong Kong activist Wong expressed outrage over the German military's training of Chinese soldiers, calling for an immediate end to the program.
Speaking to the top-selling Bild newspaper, Wong said: "It makes me furious that the German Bundeswehr is apparently helping to train Chinese soldiers. Given the riots in Hong Kong, the defence ministry should have ended this programme long ago."
Wong's comments came as plainclothes soldiers from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) were spotted on the streets of Hong Kong, helping to clean up debris and bricks from the protests.
Amnesty International backed Wong's plea to end the military training, with Mathias John, an expert in arms and human rights, stating: "Given the current situation in Hong Kong, the German government should send a clear signal and immediately end any military cooperation."
According to Bild, the German military plans to give 11 PLA soldiers logistics and senior officer training in 2020.
Wong, 23, has been a vocal advocate for Hong Kong's activists, meeting with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in September and prompting Beijing to summon Germany's ambassador in anger.
