China must not force Hong Kong’s BN(O) passport holders to choose sides

Britain’s offer of a citizenship path for almost half of Hong Kong’s population has the paradoxical effect of calming their jitters over the national security law
Beijing’s threat to revoke recognition of the BN(O) passport as a travel document has raised fears it may soon strip holders of their Hong Kong residency and other privileges

Albert Cheng

Published: 9:15am, 7 Aug 2020

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After Beijing forced through the national security law for Hong Kong, the ideals of “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong” have, for a lot of freedom-loving people, come to an end.

A Committee for Safeguarding National Security has now been established, chaired by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, with Luo Huining, the director of the central government’s liaison office, as lead adviser.

On top of that, Beijing has set up an Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong to oversee national security developments in the city. It has powers which enable it to operate independently of the local authorities.

The central government has in effect seized full control over Hong Kong. Western powers, mainly the US and Britain, have openly condemned the actions of Beijing as a violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Different degrees of sanctions have been imposed, and several extradition treaties suspended, while Britain and Australia have offered Hong Kong people a path to residency, even citizenship.

03:14

UK unveils details of citizenship offer for Hongkongers with BN(O) passport holders

The central government wants to restore Hong Kong’s social stability and economic prosperity. However, using strong measures to oppress freedoms and human rights does not serve this purpose. Ironically, the relaxation of immigration and residency policies for Hongkongers is helping to rebuild their shattered confidence and calm their jitters.

Britain’s new BN(O) scheme for Hong Kong people is the more lenient. It will potentially allow some 3 million BN(O) passport holders and their dependants to apply to settle in the UK after they have been in the country for five years, and to apply for citizenship after a further 12 months.

In this way, the scheme offers a large number of the Hong Kong population a safety net, which paradoxically has helped to stabilise the city, given the overwhelming tensions.

However, China does not recognise dual nationality. Beijing recently announced that it may stop accepting BN(O) passports as valid travel documents, raising fears that it was just the first step of a wider effort to crack down on Hongkongers holding BN(O) passports.

Hong Kong people worry that their “insurance policy” of having a BN(O) passport would automatically strip them of their Chinese nationality, and permanent residency and benefits in Hong Kong.

This would force Hong Kong people to take sides. By doing so, it may push more Hongkongers to leave for other countries, resulting in talent and capital outflows. By tightening the measures, Beijing hopes for a significant deterrent effect; however, it may only accelerate the brain drain.

03:29

China says UK has 'poisoned' Sino-British relationship over Hong Kong and Huawei

For BN(O) passport holders who have not gained British citizenship and Hong Kong permanent residents who hold British passports, would they be deprived of their Hong Kong permanent residency? If the non-recognition of dual citizenship is enforced, will the same apply to Hong Kong people who are also citizens of the United States, New Zealand, Australia and other foreign countries?

The ripple effect could be huge. Hong Kong people would be given no choice but to leave the city. This is not a situation the central government would want to see.

Over the past century, Hong Kong has transformed from a small fishing village into a leading international financial centre, until recently the world’s third largest. Its remarkable success lies in its rule of law and freedoms. People from all kinds of background who share the same core values have contributed to the city’s prosperity and stability.

If Beijing intends good things for Hong Kong, as it claims, all forms of intimidation should stop. For a start, it should call a halt to threatening to change the status quo of BN(O) passport holders. It would be unwise of the central government to insist on such a move, as it would only cause more chaos in Hong Kong, and that would benefit no one.

Albert Cheng King-hon is a political commentator

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