Politics

Hong Kongers Could See CCP Cease Recognition Of BNO Passport

Beijing has warned the UK that it will stop recognising Hong Kong issued British National Overseas (BNO) passports if London goes through with a programme to eventually offer British citizenship to millions of the territory’s residents.

Speaking at a Foreign Ministry press conference in Beijing, official spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the announcement on Thursday in the Chinese capital in what has become a week of seemingly tit-for-tat missives between the UK and China.

Up to thee million Hong Kongers, almost half the total population, could benefit from a promise by the British Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab earlier in the week to eventually“provide a pathway to future citizenship” to BNO passport holders from the former British territory.

 

Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997, but the recent passage of a controversial security law by Beijing has led to sanctions and the suspension of extradition treaties with a number of western nations – most notably, the UK, USA, and Australia.

Mr. Wang has been reported as saying “(B)ecause the UK first violated its promises, China will consider not recognising the BNO passport as a valid travel document, and will reserve the right to take further countermeasures,” drawing a brief statement in response by British authorities in Downing Street announcing that “It’s a fact that BNO passports are issued by the British government and they are legitimate international travel documents.”

Lisa Conklin

Lisa is an Eastender from London in her second year in Taipei where she teaches English, and in her spare time writes poetry. She is a practicing vegan and lover of yoga who lives 'off-grid' as much as possible. She is our weekend editor.

Recent Posts

U.S. and Israel condemn France’s move to recognize Palestinian state by September

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly denounced French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to…

3 hours ago

Trump administration secures $221 million antisemitism settlement with Columbia University

President Donald Trump’s administration has reached a $221 million settlement with Columbia University, resolving multiple…

4 hours ago

US President Trump briefed by Attorney General that his name was in Epstein files

Attorney General Pam Bondi informed President Donald J. Trump earlier this year that his name…

1 day ago

US House Speaker Mike Johnson cuts summer session short to avoid Epstein files vote

In a surprise move Tuesday, Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the House of Representatives would…

2 days ago

Trump Administration releases 240,000 pages of FBI records on MLK Jr. despite family objections

The Trump administration has released over 240,000 pages of long-sealed FBI surveillance records related to…

3 days ago

At Least 73 killed, 150 injured by Israeli Gunfire while seeking aid in Gaza: Health Ministry

At least 73 Palestinians were killed and around 150 others injured by Israeli gunfire on…

4 days ago