China News Service, Beijing, February 25 (Reporter Huang Yuqin Liang Xiaohui) Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin hosted a regular press conference on the 25th.
A reporter asked: According to reports, on the 24th, the British Home Office said that a new plan will be launched in October this year. Hong Kong residents aged 18 and over born on or after July 1, 1997, as long as one parent has a British national (overseas) Passport (BNO), you can independently apply for a UK visa.
Does the spokesperson have any comment on this?
Wang Wenbin: China has stated its position on this issue many times.
What I want to stress is that the history of this issue is very clear.
Before Hong Kong's handover, the British side made a clear promise not to grant BNO travel document holders the right of abode in the UK.
More than 20 years after Hong Kong's return to the motherland, some people in the United Kingdom, holding on to the old dream of colonization, insisted on concocting a new policy on the so-called BNO passport, and repeatedly expanded the scope of application of the BNO visa, turning a large number of Hong Kong people into second-class British "citizens".
The move by the British side fundamentally violates the commitments made in the relevant memorandum, openly interferes in Hong Kong affairs, grossly interferes in China's internal affairs, and violates international law and basic norms governing international relations. We express our strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.
What I want to stress is that China has announced that it will no longer recognize the so-called BNO passport as a valid travel document and identity proof, and reserves the right to take further measures. The British side shall bear all the consequences arising therefrom.
We urge the British side to recognize the historical trend, give up the illusion of continuing colonial influence in Hong Kong, immediately correct its mistakes, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs in any way, otherwise it will only shoot itself in the foot.
Any attempt to disrupt Hong Kong and undermine its prosperity and stability will never succeed.
(over)