China and UK clash over fate of Hong KongersRiot police detain a man after they cleared protesters taking part in a rally against a new national security law in Hong KongHONG KONG: China promised Thursday to take countermeasures against Britain if it presses ahead with plans to extend citizenship rights to Hong Kongers after Beijing imposed a sweeping security law on the restless financial hub. It has responded by announcing plans to allow millions of Hong Kongers with British National Overseas status to relocate with their families and eventually apply for citizenship. That move has infuriated Beijing, which says Britain promised not to grant full citizenship rights to Hong Kongers ahead of the 1997 handover. On Thursday, Australian leader Scott Morrison said he was "very actively" considering offering Hong Kongers safe haven. It also criticised "the total absence of meaningful consultation" with Hong Kongers before the law was passed.

Source: Bangkok Post July 02, 2020 07:18 UTC