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China Condemns U.K.'s BNO Visa Expansion Amid Protests

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

China's embassy in London criticized the U.K.'s expansion of the British National Overseas (BNO) visa program for Hong Kong residents as interference.
The sentencing of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years under a national security law drew international condemnation, including from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The U.K. government says the visa expansion addresses rights deterioration and expects about 26,000 arrivals over five years.

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Story summary

China's embassy in London criticized the U.K.'s expansion of the British National Overseas (BNO) visa program for Hong Kong residents as interference.
The sentencing of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years under a national security law drew international condemnation, including from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The U.K. government says the visa expansion addresses rights deterioration and expects about 26,000 arrivals over five years.