Britain’s citizenship offer rebuffed

A spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Britain says that China firmly opposes Britain’s offer to provide more privileges for Hong Kong residents holding British National Overseas (BNO) passports and reserves the right to take corresponding measures.

The embassy’s spokesperson said on Thursday that with regard to the BNO passport, in memoranda exchanged between the two sides, the British side declared it would not confer the right of abode to Chinese citizens in Hong Kong holding BNO passports.

“If the British side makes unilateral changes to the relevant practice, it will breach its own position and pledges, as well as international law,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also urged the British side to view objectively and fairly the national security legislation for Hong Kong, respect China’s position and concerns, and refrain from interfering in Hong Kong’s affairs in any form. —