Hong Kong Handover Looms as Free Will Question Arises
As Hong Kong nears return to China on July 1 after 156 years of British rule, questions dominate whether a thriving capitalist society can survive under a communist autocracy. The skyline and signs frame a city debating democracy civil rights and future freedoms amid Chinese control.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ong Kong
Hong Hi Kong
China
Hong Kong
Times
Kowloon
Michael Onslow
Britain
History of Hong Kong key events through 1997 handover
Timeline covers 1841 settlement, 1860 Kowloon cession, 1898 New Territories lease, 1941-45 Japanese occupation, 1949-50 refugee surge, 1967 riots, 1972 UN admission talks, 1984 Sino British handover accord, 1989 Tiananmen impact, 1995 last British polls, and the 1997 transition to Special Administrative Region under One Country Two Systems. Analysis notes hopes, risks, and economic realities shaping posthandover Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Handover Events End of British Rule
The article details the June 30 to July 1 handover ceremonies in Hong Kong with speeches by British officials and Chinese leaders, a ceremonial flag lowering, and the swearing in and celebration of the new Hong Kong government. It notes political tensions, hopes for stability, and public sentiment about Beijing’s takeover amid rapid modernization and ongoing civil liberties concerns.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chris Patten
East Tamar
Ole Navy Base
Convention Center
Jiang Zemin
Li Peng
Prince Charles
Hong Kong
Britain
Rita Fan
China
Hong Kong’s 50 Year Autonomy Under Basic Law
Key provisions outline Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region with a Beijing guaranteed semi autonomous government for 50 years under the Basic Law. Beijing will handle defense and foreign affairs while Tung Chee Hwa is chosen as chief executive. Provisional Legislature of 60 members replaces the 1995 elected body, selected by a panel of Beijing approved dignitaries, to be superseded by an elected legislature by mid 1998. English common law remains the legal code separate from Chinese law.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hong Kong
China
Tung Cheehwa
Chang Kuo-sin
Baptist University
Communist Party
Special Administrative Region
Beijing
Tung Chee-hwa
Britain
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