The British government should turn its attention to tackling racial discrimination in its own country, rather than interfering in the affairs of Hong Kong, China's embassy in London has said.

In a statement published on its website, a spokesman responded to the news that the UK had set aside almost $60 million to support families from Hong Kong who want to relocate using a newly granted status.

"Attempting to turn some Hong Kong residents into second-class British 'citizens' [is] nothing but hypocritical political manipulation that is doomed to failure," the statement read.

In January, the UK announced that Hong Kong residents who had received British National Overseas (BNO) passports when the former colony was returned to China, would be given a path to resettle in Britain. Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said the decision was prompted by a new security law, which he has described as "deeply troubling."

However, the Chinese embassy said it had received requests for assistance from people who had moved to the UK only to find themselves confronted by discrimination.

There has been a rise in racist incidents against people of Asian appearance since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to London police. 

"The UK, with its grave racial discrimination and other social problems, is far from a paradise," the statement from the Chinese embassy noted.

Despite the new support package, those moving on BNO passports will not be entitled to the same benefits as other British citizens. Nevertheless, the British government says it expects hundreds of thousands to relocate.