China lashes out at UK expansion of visa scheme following Jimmy Lai conviction

The recent sentencing of media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison under Hong Kong’s national security law has ignited a fresh wave of international concern and spurred further action from the United Kingdom. The UK has expanded its British National Overseas (BNO) visa scheme, a move China has vehemently condemned as interference in its internal affairs.

Launched in 2021 in response to the imposition of the national security law, the BNO visa scheme allows holders of British National Overseas passports – and now, their children born before the 1997 handover – to live, work, and study in the UK. Over 230,000 people have been granted visas, with nearly 170,000 already relocating. This expansion specifically addresses concerns about families being separated and offers a pathway for a new generation to seek refuge.

China’s embassy in London has criticized the scheme, alleging that it “misleads Hong Kong residents” and leads to discrimination. However, the UK government maintains the expansion is a response to a “deterioration of rights and freedoms” in Hong Kong, anticipating approximately 26,000 additional arrivals over the next five years.

Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was a prominent pro-democracy voice and vocal critic of Beijing. His conviction on charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials represents one of the most severe penalties handed down under the national security law. Lai pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The case has drawn condemnation from international figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called the ruling “unjust and tragic” and urged for Lai’s humanitarian parole. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent visit to Beijing, calling for Lai’s release.

The Lai sentencing and the UK’s visa expansion highlight a growing tension between China and Western nations regarding human rights and political freedoms in Hong Kong. This situation is likely to accelerate several key trends:

• Increased Emigration: The continued erosion of freedoms will likely drive further emigration from Hong Kong, particularly among those with the means and opportunity to relocate.
• Strained Sino-British Relations: Expect continued diplomatic friction between China and the UK over Hong Kong, with potential repercussions for trade and other areas of cooperation.
• Focus on National Security Laws: The use of national security laws as a tool to suppress dissent will likely remain a point of contention, with international scrutiny intensifying.
• Expansion of Similar Visa Programs: Other countries, such as Canada and Australia, may consider expanding or creating similar visa programs to offer refuge to Hong Kong residents.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee defended the sentencing, stating Lai was rightfully punished for actions that included “poisoning the minds of citizens” and “colluding with foreign forces.” This underscores the diverging narratives surrounding the case and the differing interpretations of the national security law.

• What is the BNO visa? The British National Overseas visa allows BNO passport holders and now their eligible children to live and work in the UK.
• Why did the UK expand the BNO visa scheme? The expansion is a response to the perceived deterioration of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong following the implementation of the national security law.
• What is China’s stance on the BNO visa scheme? China views the scheme as interference in its internal affairs and alleges it encourages emigration based on false pretenses.
• What were the charges against Jimmy Lai? Lai was convicted of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials.