China Agitated by UK's Visa Program Expansion Following High-Profile Sentencing
The Chinese embassy in London has expressed its disapproval over the UK's recent decision to widen a visa program for residents of Hong Kong. This move has been seen as an intrusion into China's domestic matters, especially following a court's judgement sentencing a well-known pro-democracy media mogul, Jimmy Lai, to two decades in jail under a national security law.
UK's Extension of Visa Scheme
The UK decided to broaden the scope of the British National Overseas (BNO) visa scheme earlier this week. This expansion now permits children of BNO status holders, who were minors at the time of Hong Kong’s transition to Chinese rule in June 1997, to apply for the program independently of their parents.
A spokesperson from the embassy, in a translated statement, claimed that the BNO has tricked Hong Kong inhabitants to abandon their homes, only to experience discrimination and hardship in the UK, leading a life as second-class citizens.
The spokesperson further condemned the scheme expansion, labeling it as "despicable" and "reprehensible". The spokesperson also stated that China is staunchly against the UK's meddling and interference in China's domestic affairs.
Background of the Scheme
The BNO visa scheme was initiated in 2021 in response to Beijing implementing a comprehensive national security law in Hong Kong. Since its inception, more than 230,000 individuals have been issued visas, with nearly 170,000 relocating to the UK.
Conviction of Jimmy Lai
This diplomatic strain comes in the wake of the sentencing of Jimmy Lai by a Hong Kong court, one of the city's most highly publicized prosecutions. It marked the harshest punishment ever handed down under the national security law.
At 78 years old, the founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, was an outspoken critic of Beijing and was among the first high-profile figures arrested in August 2020. He was imprisoned on charges of conspiring to collude with foreign entities and disseminating seditious materials. Lai maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.
UK’s Prime Minister brought attention to Lai’s case during a visit to Beijing last month, demanding the release of Lai, who is a British citizen. Lai's family and critics have claimed that sufficient and concrete actions were not taken by the UK to alter the course of events.
Effect of the National Security Law
The UK government issued a statement saying Lai’s sentencing demonstrated how the national security law imposed by Beijing has "criminalised dissent, prompting many to leave the territory". The UK government also mentioned that it will "rapidly engage [with Beijing] further on Mr Lai's case."
Visa Scheme Expansion amidst Deteriorating Rights
The UK government stated that the expanded visa route is a response to the "deterioration of rights and freedoms" in Hong Kong. It anticipates that approximately 26,000 people will relocate to the UK over the next five years due to this initiative.
In response, Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, stated on Tuesday that Lai deserved his severe sentencing due to the damage he caused, including "using Apple Daily to poison the minds of citizens" and "colluding with foreign forces to take sanctions and hostile actions against China and Hong Kong."