China-UK relations have been under growing strain recently due to UK’s attitudes on issues such as Hong Kong, Huawei and Xinjiang. The situation has sparked concerns over whether the “Golden Era” between China and the UK has come to an end.
In an exclusive interview with the Global Times (GT), Liu Xiaoming, Chinese Ambassador to the UK, made remarks on topics such as UK’s recent ban on Huawei’s 5G network, its responses to Hong Kong-related issues and the future of China-UK ties.
Ambassador Liu noted the UK now has “understanding deficit” and a “trust deficit” in its policies toward China. He called for promoting closer links instead of “decoupling” in order to promote trust, manage differences and remove the “deficits.”
GT: With regard to the UK’s recent decisions to change the policy for British National (Overseas) (BNO) passport holders, ban Huawei from its 5G networks, and suspend the extradition treaty with Hong Kong indefinitely, what countermeasures will China take?
Ambassador Liu: The UK Government, in disregard of China’s solemn representations, is bent on carrying out political manipulation on the issues of BNO and the extradition treaty with Hong Kong.
The Chinese side strongly opposes such acts of the UK side which openly go against its own pledge, violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and blatantly interfere in Hong Kong affairs, which are internal affairs of China. China will consider refusing to recognize BNO passports as valid travel documents and reserves the right to take further countermeasures.
On the issue of Huawei, the UK Government has contravened its previous decision and banned 5G equipment of Huawei, claiming the company poses “risks” without any evidence.
This went against the principles of market economy and rules of free trade, jeopardized China-UK mutual trust, undermined the confidence of Chinese businesses in making investments in the UK, and intoxicated the atmosphere for China-UK business cooperation. The Chinese side will evaluate this decision comprehensively and seriously and take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.
China-UK relationship has encountered serious setbacks due to the above-mentioned wrong remarks and deeds of the UK side. I have emphasized time and again that China is a partner of the UK, rather than a rival, still less an enemy; China’s development creates opportunities for the UK, rather than challenges, still less threats. A steady and sound China-UK relationship is in the interests of both the two countries and beyond. I hope the UK side will return to an independent, reasonable and pragmatic China policy, and stop going down the wrong path. Otherwise, it will have to bear all the consequences.
GT: On the issue of BNO, will China revoke the Chinese nationality or the right of abode in Hong Kong of the Hong Kong residents who have accepted the unilateral arrangements of the UK Government?
Ambassador Liu: It is made clear in the Explanations of Some Questions by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Concerning the Implementation of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region that all Chinese compatriots residing in Hong Kong are Chinese nationals, whether or not they are holders of the British National (Overseas) passport. In fact, as early as 1985 when the UK Government adopted the law to create the BNO status, it made the pledge that BNO passport holders who are Chinese citizens residing in Hong Kong shall not have the right of abode in the UK.
–The Daily Mail-Global Times news exchange item
