China has withdrawn its recognition of the so-called British National Overseas (BNO) passports as a valid travel and ID document starting January 31, as the British government made available a new visa for almost 3 million Hong Kong BNO status holders on the same day.

The decision was also fully supported by the government of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), stating that it would not recognize BNO passports as a valid travel document and proof of identity.

Britain’s move unilaterally changed the consensus between the two countries, seriously infringed upon China’s sovereignty, grossly interfered in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs. It also seriously violated international law and the basic norms of international relations.

China has made it clear that there is no room for concessions on issues involving China’s national sovereignty and core interests. If the UK continues its wrong actions, China reserves the right to take further actions.

The Chinese and British governments reached consensus long ago on how to deal with the issue of Hong Kong residents holding BNO passports and exchanged memoranda on the understanding.

In its memorandum, Britain clearly pledged not to confer the right of abode in Britain on those holders who are Chinese nationals in Hong Kong. From the beginning to the end, the BNO passport is a travel document that does not carry citizenship rights.

However, the current move of the UK has substantively changed the nature of the BNO passport in the name of “safeguarding the freedom and autonomy of Hong Kong” and “fulfilling its historical responsibility to the Hong Kong people”, and is a fundamental violation of its pledge in its memorandum.

The fact is that after the handover, the UK has no sovereignty, no jurisdiction and no right to supervise Hong Kong. There is no so-called “responsibility” whatsoever.

The UK’s rapid upgrading of the BNO policy is a maneuver to use the right of abode and naturalization as a lure to attract “Hong Kong independence” forces, who would act as its front to intervene in Hong Kong affairs, with the purpose of dividing and messing up Hong Kong.

The visa scheme doesn’t welcome every BNO holder to settle in Britain. It places very high requirements on the applicants’ financial abilities. Applicants will need to provide proof of assets that can support their life in the UK for at least six months, as well as pay health tax and hefty application fees. During the period of limited residence, there is no social welfare guarantee, and there is still uncertainty about whether they can obtain citizenship after six years of residence.

It is worth mentioning that the topic of “revoking the Chinese citizenship of relevant immigrants” triggered by the BNO passport has recently sparked a lot of discussion in Hong Kong, which also highlights the resentment of many Hong Kong people towards Britain’s frequent interference in Hong Kong affairs.

The future looks bright for Hong Kong, which will enjoy more development opportunities with the support of the central government. The British government should stop its colonial dream and respect history and facts. Any attempt to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs will surely meet strong resistance and will ultimately be in vain.