Taipei: A Thai boxing studio in Taipei operated by Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Tong Wai-hung was vandalized with red paint for the second time, an event Tong and civil groups are calling an act of transnational repression.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Taipei City Police Department identified the suspect as a 46-year-old Hong Kong native surnamed Leung, who also holds Taiwanese citizenship.

Police revealed that Leung entered Taiwan late Tuesday night, purchased red paint in New Taipei, and carried out the attack at Tong's boxing studio in Taipei's Shilin District early Wednesday morning. Following the vandalism, Leung traveled within Taipei before proceeding to Taoyuan International Airport to board a flight back to Hong Kong. Authorities suspect him of intimidation and property damage and plan to arrest him upon re-entry to Taiwan. Investigations are ongoing to determine if Leung acted alone.

At a Thursday press conference outside Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, Tong stated that the attack, like a previous incident in November, was cloaked as a debt dispute to disguise its true motive of transnational repression. Debt-collection leaflets were left at the scene, but Tong, who is wanted by Hong Kong authorities, insisted he has no personal debts or grudges. He described the t as disruptive, forcing him to temporarily close the studio and causing issues for his landlord.

Amnesty International Taiwan Deputy Secretary-General Chang Chih emphasized the gravity of the situation, framing it as a classic case of transnational repression aimed at silencing and intimidating overseas activists. Chang urged the Taiwanese government to address the broader implications of such actions on civil society, noting an absence of a robust framework to deal with these incidents.

Liang Wen-chieh, deputy head and spokesperson of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, previously commented on the initial vandalism in January, suggesting it was intended as a warning to Tong and other Hong Kong residents in Taiwan. Liang mentioned that authorities had identified two Hong Kong suspects from surveillance footage, who quickly returned to Hong Kong after the first incident. He assured that the Taiwanese government comprehends the situation and is committed to investigating the acts of transnational repression.