The White House said on August 5 that it would provide Hong Kong residents in the United States with a "temporary safe haven," allowing them to extend their stay in the United States and granting them an 18-month "extension of departure."
Beijing reacted strongly to this and criticized the United States for "combining with Hong Kong chaos."
Delayed for up to 18 months
Reuters quoted an anonymous senior administrative official as reporting that the plan will provide thousands of Hong Kong residents with "temporary safe havens," and it is expected that most Hong Kong residents in the United States will be eligible.
According to the memo released by the White House, Biden criticized Beijing for unilaterally implementing the National Security Law in Hong Kong and undermining the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong.
Biden stated that he instructed the Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate measures to provide Hong Kong resident who is present in the United States on the date of this memorandum for a period of 18 "Deferral of removal" (deferral of removal) in the month, with exceptions, such as those who return to Hong Kong or Mainland China after the date of this memorandum, those who are subject to extradition conditions, those who have committed a felony, and the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that they are not eligible for the United States Interested parties, etc., will not be eligible.
Biden said that providing a safe haven for Hong Kong residents "further enhances the interests of the United States in the region." "The support of the United States for the people of Hong Kong will not be shaken."
US White House Spokesperson Psaki attended a press conference at the White House in Washington on June 21.
(AP)
Most people in the United States and Hong Kong are eligible
According to Reuters, it is not yet clear how many people will be affected by the US move, but according to a senior government official, it is expected that the vast majority of Hong Kong residents currently in the US will be eligible.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after the announcement of the measures: “Despite the fact that millions of people gathered in extensive demonstrations to demand greater freedom, Hong Kong’s commitment to democracy has been blurred.”
White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said: "Based on politically motivated arrests and interrogations, silenced the media (actions), and reduced the space for elections and democratic opposition (actions), the United States will continue to support People from Hong Kong."
When she was asked if the measures would be extended, she did not rule out such arrangements: "Obviously, our hope, our goals, and our work in international forums are to change what is happening and what we see, The oppression of Hong Kong people."
The picture shows the White House in Washington, USA under the lens on January 1, 2021.
(Reuters)
U.S. accused China of breach of promise
The White House stated that this move made it clear that the United States "will not stand idly by, because China has violated its commitments to Hong Kong and the international community."
Biden pointed out in the memo: "In the past year, the People's Republic of China continued to attack Hong Kong's autonomy, undermined the remaining democratic procedures and systems, imposed restrictions on academic freedom, and cracked down on freedom of the press."
He said that providing a safe haven for Hong Kong residents "is conducive to the interests of the United States in the region. The United States will not shake our support for the people of Hong Kong."
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted that the US move was kind and generous.
The UK welcomes the US decision to grant asylum to certain Hong Kong residents.
On July 29, 2021, US President Biden delivered a speech in the East Room of the White House in Washington.
(AP)
China strongly condemns
In response to the Hong Kong-related memorandum issued by the US Biden administration, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong responded in the early morning of August 6, Beijing time, expressing firm opposition and strong condemnation.
The spokesman said that the formulation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the reform of the electoral system have restored stability in Hong Kong.
Facts have proved that the National Security Law has targeted a small group of anti-China and Hong Kong rioters who have seriously endangered national security. In the past year, the number of crimes in Hong Kong has dropped significantly, the economy and finance continue to be strong, and the general public in Hong Kong are satisfied with the current situation.
The spokesperson pointed out, "The US has disregarded the basic facts and mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong, weaving lies and slandering Hong Kong's national security laws, blatantly beautifying the anti-China chaos in Hong Kong, and presumptuously offering the so-called "safe haven", it is an attempt to stigmatize Hong Kong, stigmatize China, and do everything possible to engage in small actions and sabotage. Hong Kong is prosperous and stable. This little trick fully exposes its sinister intention to play the "Hong Kong card" to contain China's development."
The spokesperson criticized that the United States did not "care" about Hong Kong at all, but grossly interfered in Hong Kong affairs; it was not "standing with Hong Kong people" at all, but "standing with a small group of anti-China chaos in Hong Kong"; it was not at all. To support the "rights and freedoms" of Hong Kong people, but to indulge the "freedom" of a small group of anti-China chaos in Hong Kong to mess up the Hong Kong SAR and endanger China's national security.
The spokesperson emphasized that the Chinese government is unwavering in its determination to oppose external forces' interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs. There is absolutely no way out for the anti-China chaos in Hong Kong.
The Chinese side urges the US side to "stop the horse immediately and die as soon as possible!"
Biden announced that the "Temporary Safe Harbor" policy allows Hong Kong residents in the United States to extend their stay. BNO is included in the Australian "Safe Harbor" policy. BNO VISA is no longer limited to holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports.权BNO VISA｜British Government: After the LOTR period expires on July 19, a visa is required to travel to the UK
