This Nov 17, 2016 photo shows the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Central. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said the British side has breached its promises and shown pure hypocrisy in manipulating the BNO issue.

We urge the UK side to shake off the colonialist mindset, respect the history, face reality and stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs. Otherwise, it would only further damage its own image and interests in Hong Kong.

Spokesperson, Office of the Commissioner of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR

A spokesperson for the office was responding to media inquiries about the British government's recent announcement of a 43-million-pound package to facilitate employment and settlement of Hong Kong BNO status holders in the UK.

READ MORE: Foreign Ministry: Nation to reject UK's BNO passport

The spokespersons said the UK side has breached its promises by providing relevant people with a pathway to settlement and citizenship.

The UK's latest move also constitutes an outright interference with Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs, and a flagrant violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations, the spokesperson said.

“China has voiced firm opposition multiple times and taken strong countermeasures. Whatever the pretexts or maneuver tactics may be, the UK side has openly reneged on its commitment and laid bare sheer hypocrisy,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said Hong Kong compatriots who truly love the country and the city are not easily fooled, nor will China's determination to fully and faithfully implement "one country, two systems" and staunchly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests waver.

“We urge the UK side to shake off the colonialist mindset, respect the history, face reality and stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs. Otherwise, it would only further damage its own image and interests in Hong Kong.”

ALSO READ: Various HK sectors slam Britain over so-called BNO passport