Zhao Lijian, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, China will no longer recognize the British national overseas passport as a valid travel document or proof of identity he said Friday.
Why it’s important: The announcement comes amid intense tensions with the UK over its plan to offer millions of Hong Kong residents a path to residency and eventual citizenship.
Leading the news: Britain will begin accepting applications from Hong Kong residents to obtain a special BNO visa on Sunday afternoon.
- Although the BNO passport has been in use for decades, pressure has increased for the UK to extend the rights of its holders, especially after Beijing last year imposed a draconian national security law on the former British colony. .
- Some 5.4 million Hong Kong residents could apply for the BNO visa for AP.
What they say: “The British side’s attempt to turn a large number of Hong Kong people into second-class British citizens has completely changed the nature of BNO’s original understanding of the two sides,” Zhao said in a briefing on Friday.
- “This measure seriously violates China’s sovereignty, seriously interferes in the internal affairs of Hong Kong and Hong Kong, and seriously violates international law and the basic rules of international relations,” he said, adding that China will stop recognize passports from Sunday.
Between the lines: “Many Hong Kongers carry multiple passports and it is unclear what the Chinese government can do to prevent people from entering the UK through the BNO visa plan, ”AP notes.
- “As an additional protection of personal privacy, a mobile app will allow applicants to download their biometric information without having to be seen visiting the British visa office,” the news agency added.
The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson He said in a statement on Friday: “I am immensely proud to have introduced this new route for Hong Kong BN (O) to live, work and make its 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 championed freedom and autonomy: values that both the UK and Hong Kong cherish.”