London: The whole world has turned against China even as the east Asian giant is engaged in a military confrontation with India on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.
Britain on Wednesday extended Hong Kong residents a broader path to citizenship in response to China’s sweeping new security law for the former UK territory.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement represents the most direct international response to legislation that has been roundly condemned by Western allies.
It comes during a London review of its entire range of relations with Beijing that includes a reassessment of the role China’s Huawei is playing in the buildup of Britain’s 5G data network.
However, the move has not been very popular with the Chinese government.
China warned Britain on Thursday it could retaliate with “corresponding measures” for London’s decision to extend a broader path to citizenship for the residents of Hong Kong.
Britain’s offer came in response to a sweeping new security law that China unveiled for the former British territory this week.
The Chinese embassy in London stressed that “all Chinese compatriots residing in Hong Kong are Chinese nationals”.
The British offer covered almost three million Hong Kongers who either have a British National Overseas passports or are eligible to apply for one.
The embassy said these people were Chinese nationals as well.
