• Asia: The new agony of Hong Kong, a city scared of its future
  • China.The Chinese Parliament passes the Hong Kong Security Law

"Premier" Boris Johnson has offered to open the doors of British citizenship to three million Hong Kong residents, in the biggest challenge yet launched by London to Beijing. In an article published in The Times, Johnson assures that the United Kingdom will take that step if China persists in its attempt to impose the security law and "drastically erode the autonomy and freedoms" of citizens of the former British colony.

"The United Kingdom will have no choice but to defend our deep ties of history and friendship with Hong Kong," Johnson warned. "Today, 350,000 inhabitants of the territory have a British passport and another 2.5 may apply for visa-free access for up to six months."

Johnson says his country is ready for a reform of its immigration system to be able to welcome three million Hong Kong citizens (just under half the population of the former colony) over a period of 12 months, and to recognize them at the same time. time the right to work in the country and a route to access British citizenship.

"Many people in Hong Kong fear that their lifestyle, which China has pledged to respect, is under threat," added Johnson, who claimed the right to be overseas territory for more than 150 years (1841-1997) to continue. operating on the principle of "one country, two systems".

"If China advances and justifies those fears, then the UK could not in good conscience shrug or run away," warns the "premier." "Instead, we will fulfill our obligations by offering an alternative ... If China goes further and imposes a national security law, that will only serve to inflame the situation ."

"The United Kingdom does not seek to prevent the rise of China, but on the contrary we want to work hand in hand in common interests, from trade to climate change," concludes Johnson, forced to mediate the open war within his party for relations with Beijing after the pandemic. "We want a modern and mature relationship, based on mutual respect and recognition of China's place in the world."

Johnson's threat was preceded by the warning issued by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab: " It is time for China to reconsider what it is doing. It is time to step back and respect Hong Kong's autonomy and international obligations "

In this way, Raab explained the official position of the British Government: "We do not oppose Hong Kong's approval of its own security law. But we do oppose an authoritarian law imposed by China and in violation of international law."

The head of the Foreign Office assured that the United Kingdom has the backing of the United States, Australia and Canada and that it is working on creating an alliance - which includes countries in Africa and South America - to force China to "moderate" its actions and end "egregious" conduct displayed before the citizens of Hong Kong.

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