Britain said on Friday it was disappointed but not surprised that China would no longer recognize special British passports offered to residents of Hong Kong.

"We are disappointed but not surprised by the Chinese decision not to recognize British National (Overseas) passports," the British Foreign Office said in a statement.

"People with BN(O) status now have a choice to come and live, work and study in the UK. We look forward to welcoming those who wish to settle here."