China’s embassy in London recently criticized the U.K.’s expansion of a visa program for Hong Kong residents. The program allows children of British National Overseas (BNO) status holders to apply independently for visas. This decision came after pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years under a national security law, which raised significant concerns globally.
The U.K. government states that the move aims to support those fleeing a “deterioration of rights and freedoms” in Hong Kong. Since the BNO visa scheme started in 2021, over 230,000 applicants have received visas, with nearly 170,000 relocating to the U.K. Experts suggest that this offers hope for many who fear political persecution in Hong Kong.
China’s embassy expressed strong disapproval of the visa expansion, calling it an “interference” in its internal matters. The spokesperson argued that the BNO scheme misleads residents, leaving them facing discrimination and hardship in the U.K. Critics argue that such statements reflect China’s increasing sensitivity to foreign criticism.
Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, was among the first prominent opponents of Beijing arrested in 2020. His sentencing has drawn international condemnation, including from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who raised the case with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lai’s family and supporters feel the U.K. government hasn’t done enough to help.
Statistics show that the situation in Hong Kong has led to a significant exodus. The British government estimates that 26,000 people could arrive in the U.K. under this visa category in the next five years.
Further context reveals that the national security law, enacted by Beijing, has been widely criticized for criminalizing dissent. Many believe this has created a climate where freedom of expression is increasingly stifled. Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, called Lai’s ruling “unjust and tragic,” echoing a global call for his release.
As tensions between China and the U.K. escalate, the fate of pro-democracy advocates like Lai remains uncertain. The world’s eyes are watching closely as this situation unfolds, prompting discussions about human rights and international obligations.
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