The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government deplores and opposes the UK’s move to use the British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passport or status, which some people in the city still hold, for political manoeuvring.

The Hong Kong SAR Government made the statement in response to the UK Government’s announcement on providing a pathway for Chinese nationals in Hong Kong who are holders of the BN(O) passport or eligible for it to reside and obtain citizenship in the UK.

It said it is hypocritical for the UK to deliberately violate its pledge made in the British memorandum associated with the Sino-British Joint Declaration and insist on such a move.

The statement pointed out that China resumed exercising sovereignty over Hong Kong on July 1, 1997. When the Sino-British Joint Declaration was signed, the Chinese and UK governments exchanged memoranda in which the UK pledged not to confer the right of abode in the UK on BN(O) passport holders who are Chinese nationals in Hong Kong.

In fact, the UK Government had no intent to confer the right of abode in the UK on people in Hong Kong as reflected in various amendments in its laws or policies before the city’s return to China.

Since the Hong Kong SAR's establishment, the Central People’s Government has been upholding and implementing the “one country, two systems” principle. The Hong Kong SAR enjoys a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the Basic Law, and has maintained prosperity and stability.

National security falls squarely under the central authorities’ purview. The enactment of the National Security Law is constitutional, lawful, rational and reasonable. Matters of the Hong Kong SAR remain China’s internal affairs. No other state is allowed to interfere in such internal affairs.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said the high-profile measures taken by the UK Government on the pretext of the National Security Law not only seriously violate the UK’s pledge, but also seriously interfere in the affairs of the Hong Kong SAR.

The UK Government has made the BN(O) passport an issue again after its unilateral announcement to suspend its agreement with Hong Kong for the surrender of fugitive offenders.

The Hong Kong SAR Government deplores and opposes such moves by the UK and urges the UK Government to stop interfering in the city’s affairs.

Taking account of Hong Kong’s historical background and existing circumstances, the Central People’s Government has permitted Chinese nationals in Hong Kong who were born before June 30, 1997 to use the BN(O) passport as a travel document to travel to other states and regions.

Since the UK has violated its pledge, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that China will consider not recognising the BN(O) passport as a valid travel document and reserve the right to take any further measure. The Hong Kong SAR Government is in support of this and will follow up accordingly.