China stated Friday that it might not acknowledge the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a legitimate journey doc or for proof of id from January 31.
The announcement got here as Britain prepares to open its doorways to hundreds of thousands of residents from Hong Kong following China’s safety crackdown within the former colony.
“From January 31, China will no longer recognize the so-called BNO passport as a travel document and ID document, and reserves the right to take further actions,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian informed reporters.
Beijing’s choice to impose a nationwide safety regulation in June prompted the UK authorities to final 12 months provide refuge to Hong Kongers eligible for the BNO passport from January 31.
How do Hong Kongers get UK citizenship?
Under the coverage, these with BNO standing who need to depart the territory can apply from Sunday to stay and work within the UK for as much as 5 years, and finally search citizenship.
“I am immensely proud that we have brought in this new route for Hong Kong BNOs to live, work and make their home in our country,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated in an announcement.
“In doing so we have honored our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong, and we have stood up for freedom and autonomy — values both the UK and Hong Kong hold dear.”
Why are Hong Kong residents going to the UK?
Under earlier guidelines — in place as Britain handed its colony Hong Kong over to Chinese rule in 1997 — BNO passport holders might solely go to the UK for six months and had no proper to work or settle there. But China’s crackdown on political life within the territory led to rising strain for BNO privileges to be expanded.
Critics say Beijing’s nationwide safety regulation, carried out after months of pro-democracy protests, violates China’s dedication to permit Hong Kong to take care of sure freedoms for 50 years after Britain’s handover.
China accuses UK of gross interference
The passport difficulty has angered China, which accuses Britain of meddling in its inner affairs.
“The UK is trying to turn large numbers of Hong Kong residents into second-class UK citizens … and has already completely changed the nature of the BNO,” Zhao stated.
“This move seriously infringes on China’s sovereignty, grossly interferes in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs, and seriously violates international law and the basic norms of international relations.”
China had already warned final 12 months that it’d cease recognizing BNO passports. At the time, officers stated it might imply BNO holders can be barred from touring to the Chinese mainland.
