340/1
HKC 34
RECEN
23 APR 1990
COMMENTS BY CHINESE MFA SPOKESMAN ON 12 APRIL
Laxed to Ho.
fa Nati ch
RM1,1914
127)
1. The Chinese Government naturally cannot ignore a serious breach
by the British side of its solemn commitment and the relevant
agreements reached between Britain and China.
In the Government's view the Bill does not contravene the
Joint Declaration or the associated exchange of memoranda which deals specifically with nationality matters. Nothing in the British
memorandum precludes the Government from granting full British citizenship to anyone in Hong Kong. Indeed, far from being contrary to the Joint Declaration the Government's measures are
fully consistent with our obligation under the Declaration to maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
2. The Chinese Government reiterates once again that all Hong Kong
Chinese compatriots with or without BDTC passports are Chinese
citizens.
We take a different view.
BDTC passport holders are British nationals.
3. The nationality status of Hong Kong compatriots can only be
determined in accordance with China's Nationality Law. This is a
matter within the scope of China's sovereignty.
Grant of British citizenship to individuals in accordance
with British law is a matter for the UK.
4. The British Government has no right to settle unilaterally the
nationality status of Hong Kong Chinese citizens.
The British Government does have the right to grant British citizenship to individuals in accordance with British law, which is
what we are doing.
KI PADG
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