China on Friday announced that it will not recognise the British National (Overseas) passport for Hong Kongers any longer after the United Kingdom planned to open its doors to more Hong Kong citizens following a security crackdown by Beijing, reported AFP.

China’s move comes after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s administration announced to provide long-term shelter to Hong Kong residents who want to leave the territory.

Holders of British National (Overseas) passport can now apply to live and work in Britain for up to five years and eventually apply for citizenship.

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“I am immensely proud that we have brought in this new route for Hong Kong BNOs to live, work and make their home in our country,” Johnson said in a statement.

BNO passport holders previously had only limited rights to visit the UK for up to six months and no right to work or settle.

“From January 31, China will no longer recognise the so-called BNO passport as a travel document and ID document, and reserves the right to take further actions,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told media at a news conference.

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“The UK is trying to turn large numbers of Hong Kong residents into second-class UK citizens… and has already completely changed the nature of the BNO,” Zhao added.

However, it is unclear what China’s declaration really means.

Hong Kongers use their own Hong Kong passport or ID card to leave the city. To enter mainland China, they need to use their Hong Kong passport.

The only time they might use a BNO is on arrival into Britain or another country that recognises the document.