China won't recognise British passport for Hong Kong residents from Jan 31
30 January, 2021
China said on Friday (Jan 29) that it would not recognise the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a good valid travel document or for identification starting from Jan 31.
The announcement comes as Britain prepares to open its doors to millions more residents of the former colony, carrying out a security crackdown by Beijing.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has promised to provide long-term sanctuary for Hong Kong residents who would like to leave the territory.
Holders of BNO status - a legacy of UK rule above Hong Kong up to 1997 - will from Sunday have the ability to apply to live and work found in Britain for five years, and eventually seek citizenship.
BNO passport holders previously had only limited rights to visit the UK for six months, no to work or settle.
Beijing was swift to hit back in the British change on Friday.
"From Jan 31, China won't recognise the so-referred to as BNO passport as a good travel document and ID document, and reserves the proper to take further actions," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters.
London says it really is acting in response to a National Security Law imposed by China last year which includes devastated Hong Kong's protest movement and rolled back again freedoms designed to last 50 years beneath the 1997 handover accord.
Zhao said a great "indignant" China believed Britain had marched very well beyond the scope of the agreement, therefore nullifying it.
"The UK is wanting to turn large numbers of Hong Kong residents into second-class UK citizens ... and has recently completely changed the nature of the BNO," Zhao added.
It is unclear what, in practical terms, China's declaration means.
But it makes great on Beijing's threat to respond to Britain's extended visa offer with some kind of punitive reciprocal measures.
The threat of further action suggests Beijing could be preparing more restrictions for BNO holders down the road.
Chinese officials currently warned this past year that they could consider ending recognition of BNO passports. At that time they said it could mean BNO holders getting unable to travel to the Chinese mainland.
However, it really is unclear whether Chinese authorities would find out who retains the document.
Hong Kongers use their individual Hong Kong passport or ID card to leave the city. To enter mainland China, they have to apply their Hong Kong passport. The only period they might employ a BNO is certainly on arrival into Britain or a different country that recognises the document.
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