"Peaceful advocacy for human rights does not constitute a crime," the countries' foreign ministries said of Chow, recipient of the Franco-German Human Rights Award in 2023.

The 41-year-old was convicted alongside fellow activist Lee Cheuk-yan, 69.

"Alongside other activists..., Chow Hang-tung worked tirelessly to promote human rights and democracy in China, in particular" in Hong Kong, they said in a joint statement.

"We call for her immediate release and urge the authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong to respect all civil rights and freedoms."

The activists face a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. They are to be sentenced at a later date.