HONG KONG – China announced on Friday that it would no longer recognize certain British travel documents, in retaliation for Britain’s decision last year to grant visas to potentially millions of Hong Kong residents and, eventually, a path to citizenship.
The announcement, which came hours after Britain declared a formal start date for its new visa program, was the latest escalation of tensions between the two countries over the fate of Hong Kong, a former British colony that has returned Chinese control in 1997.
After Beijing decided to impose a national security law on Hong Kong last summer, which gave authorities broad powers to curb dissent, Britain accused China of violating its pledge to give Hong Kong 50 years of semi-autonomy . The British government said in June that it would create a special visa system for holders of British national passports (Overseas), a unique category created for Hong Kong citizens before the transfer of power in 1997.
Under the new rules, Hong Kong residents who applied for BN (O) status prior to the transfer would be eligible for a special visa that would authorize them to live, work or study in the UK for up to five years; after another year, they would be allowed to apply for citizenship.
The British government estimated that there were 2.9 million BN (O) citizens in Hong Kong, along with 2.3 million dependents who would be eligible to move with them, although it was unclear how many residents would actually seek to emigrate. The government predicted that between 123,000 and 153,700 people would use the new route in the first year. Not all BN (O) citizens have BN (O) passports, but they can apply to obtain them.
“We honor our deep ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong and defend freedom and autonomy,” said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a statement on Friday, alongside the announcement that the requests again it would be opened on 31 January.
Britain’s plan infuriated Beijing, which quickly warned of potential retaliation. On Friday, Chinese government officials made it clear that they saw the new visa rules as a direct challenge to their sovereignty.
Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, said at a news conference that the plan was an effort to turn Hong Kong residents into second-class British citizens, according to an article in their statements by CCTV , China’s state broadcaster.
China will no longer recognize BN (O) passports as valid travel or identification documents on January 31, said Zhao, adding that China “has reserved the right to take further action”.
It was not immediately clear whether the ad was more symbolic or substantive. Holders of BN (O) passports may also be holders of Hong Kong passports or other foreign passports, which are not affected by the measure.
Some pro-Beijing officials have sought to close these perceived loopholes. Regina Ip, a Hong Kong lawmaker, proposed earlier this month that the territory deny residents with dual citizenship the right of residence. Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, said there are no plans underway.
Claire Fu contributed research from Beijing. Elian Peltier contributed reporting from London.