Chinese envoy accuses UK ministers of ‘gross interference’ with Hong Kong citizenship offer

Liu Xiaoming warned there would be ‘consequences’ for the UK if it tried to make China a ‘hostile country’ over the hardline security laws

By Jane Merrick |

Relations between the UK and China worsened when Beijing’s ambassador to London accused ministers of a “gross interference” in the country’s internal affairs by offering Hong Kong residents a route to citizenship.

Liu Xiaoming warned there would be “consequences” for the UK if it tried to make China a “hostile country” over the hardline security laws in the territory and the fresh concerns over technology firm Huawei’s role in the UK’s 5G network.

The response from Beijing came amid signs that Boris Johnson is poised to perform a U-turn over his contentious decision to approve Huawei’s involvement in the UK’s 5G network.

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