China may not recognize British-issued Hong Kong passports

China’s foreign ministry said Friday it may decide t to recognize British-issued passports for Hong Kong residents in retaliation for London’s moves to open a path to citizenship for those holding documents. Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that Britain h “violated its promises” and “played up” issue of British National (Overseas) passports.

Britain said in May that it would allow holders of such passports extended stays and possibility of citizenship, prompting thousands of Hong Kongers to rush to renew or apply for m as Beijing steps up restriction on political expression.

Hong Kong reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997 and sides have increasingly feuded over civil rights in territory. Britain accuses China of failing to live up to its pledges to maintain freedoms in special ministrative region, while Beijing says London is interfering in its internal affairs.

Differences have sharpened since China in June imposed a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong in response to months of anti-government protests last year. London suspended its extrition treaty with territory and has offered political asylum to persons targeted under new legislation. “ British side violated its promises, insisted on going its own way and repeatedly played up issue of B Passports," Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing.

“As British side violated its commitment first, China will consider t recognizing B Passport as a valid travel document, and reserves right to take furr measures," Zhao said.

More than 300,000 of Hong Kong's 7 million residents hold B passports, according to U.K., more than double number four years earlier. Those who qualify can apply for visas enabling m and ir immediate family members to live and work in U.K. and eventually apply for citizenship, British government says. However, y must show y have means to support mselves in U.K. for six months, and will t be entitled to public support.