TNAG-2195-FCO40-3132-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 74

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COMMENTS BY CHINESE MFA SPOKESMAN ON 12 APRIL

Pan 1914

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