CONFIDENTIAL
Rights of freedom of movement also guaranteed by Joint
Declaration.
Understand Chinese spokesman recently said in Macao that those
covered by the scheme would be welcome to stay in Hong Kong and participate in economic and political activities.
Latest Statement by Li Hou
- We have not yet seen the definitive text of Li Hou's speech but
the Joint Declaration provides that residents of the HKSAR may use
documents issued by other states. We would expect the Chinese
Government to fulfil their obligations under the Joint Declaration.
travel
Consular Protection?
- Have already said that recipients of British passports under the
scheme would in our view be entitled to enjoy the benefits that this
status confers.
It is our understanding that under Chinese nationality law,
Chinese nationals who have acquired foreign citizenship other than
by residence abroad would have to renounce their Chinese citizenship
in order for Chinese authorities to regard them as foreign
nationals.
- The Chinese government has not hitherto questioned the right of
ethnic Chinese with full British citizenship to travel on British
passports in China, and by implication, their right to consular
protection.
International Support
Hong Kong is an international centre with huge international
investment. Its trading partners also have a strong interest in
Hong Kong's continuing stability and prosperity.
We have lobbied our friends and partners to come up with schemes
similar in scope to our own.
CONFIDENTIAL
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