China will no longer recognize the British national passport abroad as a valid travel document or proof of identity, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said friday.
Why it matters: The announcement comes amid heightened tensions with the UK over its plan to offer potentially millions of Hong Kong residents a path to residence and eventual citizenship.
Driving the news: Britain is expected to start accepting applications from Hong Kong residents for a special BNO visa at the end of Sunday.
- Although the BNO passport has been in use for decades, pressure has been mounting for the UK to expand its holders’ rights, especially after Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on the former British colony last year.
- About 5.4 million Hong Kong residents could be eligible for the BNO visa, by AP.
What they are saying: “The attempt by the British side to turn large numbers of Hong Kong people into second-class British citizens has completely changed the nature of the two sides’ original understanding of the BNO,” Zhao told a news conference on Friday.
- “This move seriously violates China’s sovereignty, grossly interferes with Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs and seriously violates international law and the basic rules of international relations,” he said, adding that China will no longer recognize passports from Sunday.
Between the lines: “Many Hong Kong citizens carry multiple passports and it is unclear what the Chinese government could do to prevent people from entering the UK through the BNO visa plan, ”notes the AP.
- “As an added protection for personal privacy, a mobile application will allow applicants to download their biometric information without being seen by visiting the British visa office,” added the news agency.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement on Friday: “I am immensely proud that we have brought this new route for Hong Kong BN (O) s to live, work and make their homes in our country,” according to Reuters.
- “In doing so, we honor our deep ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong and defend freedom and autonomy – values that both the UK and Hong Kong cherish.”