China will no longer recognize the British National Overseas passport as a valid travel document or ID, State Department spokesman Zhao Lijian said Friday.
Why it matters: The announcement comes amid heightened tensions with the UK over its plan to provide potentially millions of Hong Kong residents a path to residency and eventually citizenship.
Driving the news: Britain plans to accept applications from Hong Kong residents for a special BNO visa late on Sunday.
- Although the BNO passport has been in use for decades, there is pressure for the UK to expand the rights of its holders, especially after Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on the former British colony last year.
- Per AP, approximately 5.4 million Hong Kong residents could be eligible for the BNO visa.
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 the original understanding of BNO by both sides,” Zhao told a press briefing Friday.
- “This move seriously violates China’s sovereignty, grossly interferes with Hong Kong’s affairs and China’s internal affairs, and seriously violates international law and the basic standards of international relations,” he said, adding that China from Sunday will stop recognizing the passports.
Between the lines: “Many Hong Kongers 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, “AP notes.
- “As an added safeguard to privacy, a mobile phone app will allow applicants to download their biometric information without having to visit the UK visa office,” the news agency added.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement Friday, “I am extremely proud that we have introduced this new route for Hong Kong BN (O) s to live, work and make their home in our country,” said Reuters.
- “In doing this, we have honored our deep historical ties and friendship with the people of Hong Kong, and we have stood up for freedom and autonomy – values that are highly valued by both the UK and Hong Kong.”