China will not recognize British National Overseas (BNO) passports as a valid travel and ID document starting January 31, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday. 

"Starting from January 31, China will no longer recognize the BNO passport as a valid travel document or for identification, and we reserve the right to take further actions," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference. 

Know more: What is the BNO passport?

The decision was made after the British government announced that it will begin accepting citizenship applications for BNO-eligible Hong Kong residents starting Sunday. 

Ignoring the fact that Hong Kong has returned to China for 24 years and China's solemn position, the British side blatantly violated its commitment and insisted on issuing the so-called "tailored policy" for Hong Kong residents with BNO passports to stay and naturalize in the country, and has repeatedly expanded the scope of application, Zhao said. 

He pointed out that such a move, in an attempt to turn a large number of Hong Kong residents into second-class British citizens, has completely changed the original BNO nature agreed between the Chinese and British sides. 

"The UK's move grossly violates China's sovereignty, interferes in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations," Zhao said, expressing China's strong indignation and firm opposition to the UK decision. 

HKSAR gov't: BNO passport will not be recognized as any form of proof of identity in HK 

The government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) also announced Friday that it will not recognize BNO passports as a valid travel document and proof of identity.  

"The central government's adoption of the stance and policy in response to the UK's breach of commitment is a matter of foreign affairs and squarely within its prerogative. The HKSAR government will fully follow up on the necessary measures for implementing the relevant policy," a government spokesperson said in a statement. 

The spokesperson said the HKSAR government will take the following measures with effect from January 31: 
     
1. BNO passport cannot be used for immigration clearance in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong residents concerned may continue to use their HKSAR Passports or Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards for entering or departing Hong Kong; 

2. BNO passport cannot be used as any form of proof of identity in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong residents concerned may continue to use their Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards as proof of identity; 

3. When passengers board flights for Hong Kong, airlines concerned must require Hong Kong residents concerned to present their HKSAR Passports or Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards as proof; 

4. Hong Kong permanent residents who are not of Chinese nationality and do not hold other valid travel document may apply to the Immigration Department for Document of Identity for Visa Purposes for international travel. 

The spokesperson pointed out that "apart from serving its political agenda, the move of the British side will also bring huge economic interests to the country. While the UK may be in dire need of talents and capital, it should not have made use of the BNO passport as a 'political cover-up'." 

(With input from Xinhua)