A copy of the British National (Overseas) passport arranged in Hong Kong. Photo: VCG

When asked about the UK Home Office's Monday announcement to relax conditions for Hong Kong residents applying for BNO visas, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the UK stated that China has consistently and firmly opposed the UK's manipulation of the BNO issue and its interference in China's internal affairs.

Previous similar actions by the UK have already misled some Hong Kong residents into leaving their homes, only to face discrimination and livelihood hardships in the UK, effectively reducing them to "second-class citizens." Now, by further playing its BNO tricks, the UK's actions are contemptible and its intentions are utterly malicious, the spokesperson said in a statement released on Tuesday.

The spokesperson urges the UK to recognize the broader trend, cease its political maneuvers, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal matters. Otherwise, it will only bring disgrace upon itself and suffer the consequences of its own actions.

Global  Times