Hong Kong's History

From Track2Asia

The Ching Dynasty of China lost in the First Opium War in January 1841. Consequently, under the Convention of Chuen Pi, Hong Kong came under British rule as a colony. China again suffered a defeat in the Second Opium War (1860). The Kowloon Peninsula was ceded to Britain and added to the colony. Later on, the New Territories completed the ensemble when these were leased to Britain for 99 years.

The British Government gave Hong Kong back to China by way of the Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong. Both governments signed this declaration in 1984. It stipulated that Hong Kong be returned to Chinese rule effective 1 July 1997. Beginning this time, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. As specified by the declaration, a Basic Law was passed that served as Hong Kong SAR’s constitution. Hong Kong still conceptually maintains its capitalist economy free from restrictions such as foreign exchange controls and news censorships. Hong Kong has also remained largely autonomous – except in matters such as defense and foreign affairs. The slogan, "One Country, Two Systems" depict just that. However, in practice, the situation is much more complex as Beijing wields considerable influence on Hong Kong’s policy-making. There are some groups campaigning for a more autonomous, more democratic government. Click here to find out more!

Hong Kong Handover Ceremony