UK PM Johnson slams China for annexing Hong Kong's autonomy; offers citizenship route

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday held China in "clear and serious breach" of Si-British agreement under which Hong Kong h been handed over to Chinese government. He confirmed that a citizenship route will w be offered to Hong Kong's British National (Overseas) passport holders.

'A clear and serious breach' 

dressing  Prime Minister's Questions in House of Commons, Prime Minister said China's new National Security Law is a threat to rights and freedom of region and in direct conflict with Hong Kong Basic Law.

"We stand for rules and obligations and we think that is soundest basis of our international relations. enactment and imposition of this National Security Law constitutes a clear and serious breach of Si-British Joint Declaration. It violates Hong Kong's high degree of automy and is in direct conflict with Hong Kong Basic Law," he said. 

" law also threatens freedoms and rights protected by Joint Declaration. We me clear that if China continued down this path, we would introduce a new route for those with British National (Overseas) status to enter UK, granting m limited leave to remain with ability to live and work in UK and reafter to apply for citizenship. And, that is precisely what we will do w," he ded.

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Jinping signs new security law

China's central government on Tuesday night imposed a national security law, stripping city of its automy and precious civil, social freedoms, cementing Beijing's authoritarian rule over territory. Xi Jinping signed legislation soon after Chinese lawmakers voted unanimously to opt Law of People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong Special ministrative Region (HKSAR).

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According to PTI,   law facilitating presence of Chinese security offices in Hong Kong, besides prohibiting acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security -- was passed by 162-member Standing Committee of China's legislature National People's Congress (NPC).

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As soon as draft legislation was opted by NPC, regarded as rubber-stamp Parliament for its routine approval of whatever ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) proposes, Xi signed it immediately, making it into law rey for implementation. US,  European Union and NATO have expressed concern on new law and warned of retaliatory measures. Thursday is also anniversary of UK's handing over of Hong Kong's sovereignty to China.

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(With ncy inputs)