This file photo taken on Nov 17, 2016 shows the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Central. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)
HONG KONG – The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday deplored the British Home Office for talking about the so-called "commitment to Hong Kongers" at the second anniversary of its new BNO visa policy, which interfered in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs.
Britain must abandon its outdated colonial nostalgia and stop interfering in HK affairs and China's internal affairs, said a spokesperson for the Commissioner's office
A spokesperson for the office pointed out that in disregard of China's resolute objection and counter-measures and its agreements with China, the British side repeatedly manipulated the British National Overseas (BNO) issue with the Hong Kong national security law as an excuse to support anti-China forces in Hong Kong.
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That exposed the British intention of disrupting Hong Kong and using Hong Kong to contain China. Facts have long proved that by playing the "BNO card", the British side is using Hong Kong residents as a bargaining chip to intensify political tensions, reap economic profits and divert domestic turmoil, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson stressed that with the full support of the central government and the joint efforts of Hong Kong society, the HKSAR is in a critical period from chaos to stability and prosperity. At present, the HKSAR government is working with all sectors to improve the economy and people's livelihood, align Hong Kong with national development strategies, and open a new chapter in good governance. Hong Kong residents and foreign communities are full of confidence in the prospect of "one country, two systems".
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The political manipulation of the British side cannot deceive people who love the country and Hong Kong, cannot damage Hong Kong's unity and stability, and cannot impact the sustained success of "one country, two systems," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson reiterated that Hong Kong is part of China and Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs. The office urged the British side to recognize the historical trend, respect reality, abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, and stop using the BNO issue to show support for anti-China elements in Hong Kong.
Britain must abandon its outdated colonial nostalgia and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, the spokesperson said.