China threatens not to recognise UK passports for Hong Kong residents

China's foreign ministry says it may decide not to recognise British- issued passports for Hong Kong residents in retaliation to London's moves to open a path to citizenship for those holding the documents.

Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that Britain had “violated its promises” and “played up” the issue of the British National ( Overseas) passports.

Britain said in May that it would allow holders of such pas s p o r t s ex t e nded s t ays and the possibility of citizenship, prompting thousands of Hongkongers to rush to renew or apply for them as Beijing steps up restriction on political expression.

Hong Kong reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997 and the sides have increasingly feuded over civil rights in the territory.

Britain accuses China of failing to live up to its pledges to maintain freedoms in the special administrative region, while Beijing says London is interfering in its internal affairs.

Differences have sharpened since China in June imposed a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong in response to months of anti- government protests last year.

London suspended its extradition treaty with the territory and has offered political asylum to persons targeted under the new legislation.

“The British side violated its promises, insisted on going i t s own way and repeatedly played up the issue of BNO Pa s s p o r t s ,” Mr Zhao t o l d reporters at a daily briefing.

“As the British side violated its commitment first, China will consider not recognizing the BNO Passport as a valid travel document, and reserves the right to take further measures,” Mr Zhao said.

More than 300,000 of Hong Kong's seven million residents hold BNO passports, according to the UK, more than double the number four years earlier.

Those who qualify can apply for visas enabling them and their immediate family members to live and work in the UK and eventually apply for citizenship, the British government says.

However, they must show they have the means to support themselves in the UK for six months, and will not be entitled to public support.

Meanwhile, Nor t h Korea has warned its citizens to stay indoors over fears that “yellow dust” which blows in from China could bring coronavirus with it.

The streets of t he capital Pyongyang were reported to be virtually emptyfollowing the warning.

The secretive state claims to be coronavirus- free but has been on high alert since January with strict border closures and restrictions on movement.

Ther e i s no k n own l i n k bet ween the seasonal dust clouds and Covid- 19.

However, they are not the only country to suggest a link. The BBC'S Disinformation Team notes Turkmenistan also alleged virus- laden dust was the reason citizens were being told to wear masks. They have denied trying to cover up an outbreak.

S t a t e - c o nt r o l l e d Korean Central Television ( KCTV) broadcast special weather segments warning of an influx of the yellow dust the next day. It also announced a nationwide ban on outdoor work.