Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian will no longer recognize the British passport as a valid travel document as proof of identity. Said Friday.
Why it matters: The announcement comes amid heightened tensions with the UK over its plan to offer millions of Hong Kong residents a path to residency and eventual citizenship.
Send the news: Britain will accept late Sunday applications from Hong Kong residents for a special BNO visa.
- While the BNO passport has been in use for decades, pressure has developed on the UK to extend the rights of its holders, especially after Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on the former British colony last year.
- About 5.4 million Hong Kong residents can apply for the BNO visa by AP.
What they say: “The British party’s attempt to turn a large number of Hong Kong people into second – class British citizens has completely changed the nature of the two parties’ original understanding of GNI,” Zhao said in a newsletter on Friday.
- “This action seriously infringes on China’s sovereignty, causes serious interference in Hong Kong’s affairs and China’s internal affairs, and seriously violates international law and the basic norms of international relations,” he said.
Between the lines: “Many Hong Kongers have multiple passports and it is unclear what the Chinese government could do to prevent people from entering the UK through the BNO visa plan, “AP notes.
- ” As a further protection of personal privacy, a mobile app will allow applicants to download their biometric information without being seen at the UK Visa Office, ” the news agency added.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson On Friday, he said in a statement: “I am extremely proud that we have brought this new route for Hong Kong BN (O) to live, work and make their home in our country,” according to Reuters.
- “In doing so, we have honored our deep ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong, and we have stood up for freedom and autonomy – values of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong are very valuable.”