The United Kingdom faces China’s aggression over its plan to offer citizenship to Hong Kongers

China is accusing Britain as the UK government is laying out a path to citizenship for three million people in Hong Kong. The United Kingdom has unveiled the details of its plan to offer an estimated three million people in Hong Kong a route to citizenship. Home Secretary “Priti Patel” described this as “very generous”. On the other hand, China condemned this as a breach of international law and interference in its internal affairs.

What is it all about?

On Wednesday, Patel said, people with British National (Overseas) or BNO status, would be able to apply for the programme from January 2021. BNO status is a type of nationality. When Hong Kong was back to Chinese rule in 1997, the status came into existence. They will not have to meet skills tests or minimum income requirements. Additionally, they can bring their dependents, including those who do not have BNO status. Patel said BNO status “recognized the special and enduring ties the UK has with those people as a result of our role in Hong Kong before 1997”.

She referred to China’s imposition of a new National Security Law in Hong Kong at the start of the month. She added: “Now that China, through its actions, has changed the circumstances that BN(O) citizens find themselves in, it is right that we change the entitlements which are attached to BN(O) status.”

Consequences

The paper triggered swift condemnation from China’s embassy in London. They said that the move amounted to interference in China’s internal affairs and that it would demand effective countermeasures. “The Chinese side urges the UK side to recognize the fact that Hong Kong is part of China, have a right and objective understanding on the National Security Law for Hong Kong, immediately correct its mistakes and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are China’s internal affairs.” An embassy spokesperson said this in a statement posted on the embassy’s website. “Such interference will shoot itself in the foot.”

Hong Kong was a British colony for more than 100 years. Later it returned to Chinese rule under the so-called “one country, two systems” framework. This afforded the territory substantial autonomy and guaranteed the people of the territory rights and freedoms. Al this was unknown on the mainland for at least 50 years.

The policy statement said the changes to migration for people from Hong Kong were a reflection of the “unprecedented circumstances” in the territory. It was also Britain’s “unique obligations” to those with BN(O) status. Those who apply will get a visa for five years. After that, providing that they have supported themselves financially and not committed any crimes, they can apply for permanent residence. A year further, they will get their citizenship. They will not need to meet any income requirements, have a job before arrival, or seek additional permissions to work or study.

However, they will still have to pay for the visa. The fee for the same along with the subsequent applications for settlement and citizenship is due. They won’t be eligible for any social security payments. The policy statement said it was also open to accepting those needing to travel before January 2021.