Flood of Love Calls from Hong Kong Residents... China Emphasizes Backfire Effect

More Hong Kong Residents Likely to Seek Refuge Centered on Five Eyes

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] As the number of countries volunteering to be a 'refuge' for Hong Kong residents has increased following the enforcement of the Hong Kong National Security Law, China has reacted strongly, emphasizing that absorbing Hong Kong residents does not benefit those countries at all.

On the 3rd, China’s Global Times reported that Hong Kong police arrested a Hong Kong man who, immediately after the enforcement of the Hong Kong National Security Law on the 1st, stabbed a police officer’s arm with a weapon while wearing a mask at a protest site. The man was found to be carrying "HKD 40,000 worth of Hong Kong dollars and foreign currency, as well as an expired British National (Overseas) (BNO) passport."

The newspaper stressed the need to pay close attention to this case amid the UK’s ongoing efforts to grant citizenship to Hong Kong residents holding BNO passports. It described granting citizenship to 'Hong Kong rioters' as a situation where the countries absorbing them would face more social problems amid economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

China has publicly opposed the UK’s plan to grant citizenship to Hong Kong residents. Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the move during a briefing the previous day, stating that granting citizenship to Hong Kong residents holding BNO passports breaks promises made to China and violates international law and fundamental international norms. He emphasized that those holding BNO passports are Chinese nationals, saying, "We strongly condemn this and reserve the right to take corresponding measures. The UK must bear all consequences arising from this."

The UK government is promoting a plan allowing BNO passport holders to reside in the UK for five years, granting them settled status after five years, and permitting them to apply for citizenship 12 months later. Australia has also joined in, actively considering providing a safe refuge for Hong Kong residents. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated, "The situation in Hong Kong following the passage of the National Security Law is very concerning," adding, "Australia is actively considering ways to provide a safe refuge for Hong Kong residents. We have prepared support for Hong Kong people. These measures will soon be reviewed by the cabinet."

Experts note that the United States has also introduced legislation at the congressional level to grant refugee status to Hong Kong residents fearing political persecution. They foresee the possibility that more countries within the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance (the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK) may volunteer to be refuges for Hong Kong residents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.