China will not recognize Hong Kong BNO passports? Why China won’t recognize Hong Kong’s BNO passport?

China will not recognize Hong Kong BNO passports? Why China won’t recognize Hong Kong’s BNO passport? Ambassador to the UK reiterates that China will not recognize Hong Kong BNO passports and urges the UK not to be coerced by the United States

Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming held a press conference at the London Embassy on the 30th local time and broadcast it live to the public through social media.

Liu Xiaoming said: "China and the UK should have enough wisdom and ability to handle differences, rather than let anti-China forces and 'Cold Warriors' hijack China-UK relations." He urged Britain to maintain its independence after Brexit and not be coerced by the United States into taking a "hostile" stance towards China. On issues related to Hong Kong, Liu Xiaoming reiterated at the press conference that China will not regard British National (Overseas) passports as legal travel documents in the future.

Further reading

Providing an immigration path for Hong Kong BNO passport holders, Zhao Lijian: Have you asked the British people?

According to the "Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Office", at the regular meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 7, a question was asked about the British National (Overseas) Passport (BNO). The British government said it is considering providing immigration paths to relevant passport holders, and the Chinese Embassy in the UK has responded to this. Does the Foreign Ministry spokesperson have any comments?

Zhao Lijian: The Chinese Embassy in the UK has already made a specific response to the UK’s statement. Last week, I also expressed our position on this issue many times.
According to public reports, there are approximately 3 million Chinese citizens who hold BNO passports or are eligible to apply for one. Before making a decision, the British side would be better off thinking that if these people come to the UK, they will enjoy the same work, medical and welfare benefits as British citizens. Before making a final decision, the British government would be better off consulting the British people to see what they think about this matter.

How did this BNO come about?

The full name of BNO is "British National (Overseas) Passport". It is a British "identity" established through the "Hong Kong Act 1985" after the United Kingdom and China signed the "Sino-British Joint Declaration" confirming the transfer of Hong Kong's sovereignty. Only those who have a connection with Hong Kong through birth or registration before the handover in 1997 can obtain BNO status, and the relevant registration was permanently ended after the handover in 1997.

According to the British Consulate General in Hong Kong, there are currently about 350,000 people holding BNO passports, but it is estimated that there are actually 2.6 million people who are eligible for this passport, but they cannot transfer this status to their children.

To some Hong Kong people who love colonialism, BNO may seem glamorous on the surface, but in fact it is just a travel document. Currently, it can be used to enter the UK and stay for 6 months, but the holder cannot enjoy the benefits of British citizens.

However, what is ridiculous is that many "yellow ribbons" in Hong Kong fail to recognize this point and still regard the BNO passports in their hands as "amulets" in an attempt to enjoy "super-national treatment" in Hong Kong. A few days ago, during an illegal gathering at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, a young woman wearing a black mask raised her BNO passport and demanded "super-national treatment" during a confrontation with riot police.