Chinese Nationality & Ethnic Policies

• Ethnic groups have formed various lifestyles and folk customs.
• These entail traditional festivals, religious beliefs, traditional costumes, eating habits, and folk dances.
• China's ethnic policies uphold ethnic equality and unity.
• China implements regional ethnic autonomy.
• China develops the economies, education, and cultures of ethnic minorities.
• China nurtures ethnic minority cadres and develops the spoken and written languages of ethnic minorities.
• China protects the customs and religions of ethnic minorities.

Concept of Chinese Nationality and Chinese Citizens

• Nationality is the legal status of belonging to a particular country.
• Chinese nationality means persons with Chinese nationality are Chinese citizens.
• People of all nationalities in China are Chinese citizens.
• Chinese nationality is acquired by birth (original nationality) or by application (nationality by acquisition).
• China does not recognize dual nationality.
• Chinese citizens have political, personal, legal, and judicial rights.
• Chinese citizens have freedom of religious belief, social welfare, culture, and education.
• Chinese citizens have the duty of safeguarding national unity and security.
• Chinese citizens have the duty of abiding by the laws.
• Chinese citizens have the duty of respecting the rights of others, paying taxes, and performing military service.
• China dealt with the nationality issue of Hong Kong residents on the principle of separating passports from nationality.
• China no longer recognizes BNO passports as travel documents or proofs of identity.

Sense of National Identity of Hong Kong Residents

• Sense of identity develops when an individual identifies with a group.
• Having a sense of belonging leads to taking an active interest in a situation, supporting development, and making personal contributions and commitments.
• Sense of national identity involves belonging to a country's historical events, culture, mountains, and rivers.
• It includes feeling a sense of common origin, respecting the country's social system, and protecting the country's security, honor, and interests.
• Building a sense of national identity is conducive to the intellectual development of individuals.
• It creates concern for the country, enhances personal security and belonging to society, and establishes self-worth.
• Promoting national development strengthens the country's internal cohesion.
• This makes the country more united and serves as a driving force for development and progress.
• Hong Kong residents demonstrate their sense of national identity through feelings and reactions toward national symbols and traditional culture.
• This is also shown through feelings towards the scenic beauty of mountains and rivers, national achievements and honors, natural disasters, and major incidents.