London facilitates entry for Hong Kongers

According to information from the FAZ, the Chinese government has sharply criticized a new entry program by Great Britain for Hong Kongers. London had already announced measures last summer due to the „national security law“ for Hong Kong imposed by China. The Johnson government now allows Hong Kong citizens to enter the country for up to five years. After that, an application for British citizenship is possible. According to the FAZ, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said the United Kingdom ignored „the fact that Hong Kong already returned to China 24 years ago.“ Beijing is threatening countermeasures, deeming the entry program a violation of the 1984 „Joint Declaration“ between Britain and China. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, „We stand for freedom and autonomy – values both the UK and Hong Kong hold dear.“ It was expected that about 300,000 Hongkongers would take up the opportunity to enter the country. nib