Over the next 56 years, it will lose control over all three main regions of Hong Kong. It was the end of an era: In July 1997, as the flag of the United Kingdom was lowered over Hong Kong, the prosperous colony was returned to China after over 150 years of British rule. China requires that its approval must be obtained for any changes to Hong Kong election laws, effectively giving it veto power over any moves towards democracy. Why do male gorillas beat their chests? Will China continue to recognize Hong Kong’s autonomy after then? That and other Chinese policies, like a recent attempt to allow extradition to the mainland, have led to mass protests, strained British-Chinese diplomatic relations, and fueled increasing concerns that China is stifling public dissent, interfering in local politics, and eroding human rights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s economy takes off as a manufacturing hub and the standard of living climbs. But was it the beginning of lasting autonomy for Hong Kong? In 1984, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and China’s premier Zhao Ziyang signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, agreeing that China would give Hong Kong some political and social autonomy through a “one country, two systems” policy for a 50-year-period. China attempts to suppress Britain’s opium trade by destroying the smuggled opium and punishing traffickers. All rights reserved. Remnants from the space rock may help explain how often these cosmic explosions occur—and the threat they pose to Earth. The Chinese legislature rules out open elections in Hong Kong, saying that it will only allow candidates approved by Beijing to run for its top political position. Big winter snows in the North could be fueled by Arctic sea ice loss, 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt, How the first pitch became baseball's Opening Day tradition, How Queen Victoria remade the British monarchy, Why the St. Vincent volcano has such a deadly reputation, Europe to review Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine over reports of rare blood clots. All rights reserved. The United Kingdom had held Hong Kong as a colony since 1841, when it occupied the area during the First Opium War. Big winter snows in the North could be fueled by Arctic sea ice loss, 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt, How the first pitch became baseball's Opening Day tradition, How Queen Victoria remade the British monarchy, Why the St. Vincent volcano has such a deadly reputation, Europe to review Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine over reports of rare blood clots. The history of the Hong Kong Police originates in 1841, when the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) was officially established by the British colonial government, the same year that the British had settled in Hong Kong.While changes have been implemented throughout the People's Republic of China (PRC) since the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, the Hong Kong Police Force (formerly the Royal Hong … Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright © 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Should cities start banning them? Please be respectful of copyright. Why we need booster shots against variants to help end the pandemic, This U.S. national park has the world’s longest cave system. Home to over seven million people, Hong Kong teems with life. Hong Kong officially reverts to Chinese rule after more than 150 years of British control. The latest news, events and upcoming exhibitions by Arup. After the handover, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of China with its own “mini constitution,” legal system, and some democratic rights like free speech and the freedom of assembly under its Basic Law. Hong Kong Disneyland (Chinese: 香港迪士尼樂園) (also known as HK Disneyland or HKDL) is a theme park located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island.It is located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and it is owned and managed by Hong Kong International Theme Parks.It is the largest theme park in Hong Kong, followed by Ocean Park Hong Kong. Prima del 1842, il nome si riferiva a una piccola insenatura - ora conosciuta come porto di Aberdeen o 香港仔 hoeng 1 gong 2 zai 2 "Piccola Hong Kong" - tra l'isola di Aberdeen e il lato sud dell'isola di Hong Kong. How Hong Kong’s complex history explains its current crisis with China. Waste left over from the coffee-making process can jolt destroyed forests back to life. Kowloon Bay is a major industrial and financial area, and was home to Hong Kong's airport until a new facility was built in 1998. The forgotten fossil hunter who transformed Britain’s Jurassic Coast. In Hong Kong, the supply of places for higher education falls short of demand. It is the first of three “unequal treaties” China signs with Britain. Deng keeps the option of resuming sovereignty open, but admits the city has a “special status.” Behind the scenes, the UK starts planning its exit. China and Hong Kong are struck by the deadly SARS epidemic, a respiratory virus that infects 8,096 people worldwide and kills 774. Here are 25 powerful moments from Hong Kong’s long history: Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the demands of the protesters. During occupation, Hong Kong’s population shrinks from 1.6 million to 600,000. Does everyone need to wear a mask outside? Japan invades and occupies Hong Kong. By 1839, China is home to 10 million opium smokers and up to 2 million addicts. These “ecological zombies” will eat almost anything and can live almost anywhere. The handover still has another phase ahead: the expiration of China’s agreement to honor Hong Kong’s Basic Law. Officials begin to draft a mini constitution for the city in a reflection of China’s “one state, two systems” policy. Hong Kong emerges as an “Asian Tiger”- an international financial center. China pledges to grant Hong Kong a “high degree of autonomy” and that Hong Kong would move toward direct elections by 2007. The Second Opium War between the United Kingdom, the French Empire, and China takes place. Please be respectful of copyright. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and China’s Premier Zhao Ziyang sign the Joint Declaration on the future of Hong Kong. Mao Zedong is replaced by the more moderate Deng Xiaoping, who implements a policy of “opening and reform.” Britain, looking ahead to the end of its 99-year lease on the New Territories, approaches Deng about continuing its administration. New study offers intriguing evidence, A mysterious neurological disease is afflicting endangered Florida panthers, Endangered trout may soon return to the concrete Los Angeles River, In Spain, sanctuaries give forever homes to farmed animals, Elephants return to conflict-ridden national park, Many mammals are contagious yawners—this might be why, Once-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the region, As halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleets, Hazardous spill in Florida highlights environmental threat decades in the making. British merchants trade illegally smuggled opium from India for Chinese goods such as tea, silks and porcelain, setting the stage for a vicious trade dispute. Britain is awarded a rent-free, 99-year lease on the New Territories. Trust in Beijing’s commitment to democracy in Hong Kong plummets, and half a million people engage in pro-democracy protests in July. The marches continue every July, providing an annual reminder of citizens’ demands for universal suffrage, freedom of speech protections and democratic rule. The current composition of Hong Kong’s 70-seat Legislative Council is 40 Geographic Constituency legislators elected directly by voters, albeit according to a proportional representation system. Critics claim the bill threatens Hong Kong’s independence and that extradition could be used to silence China’s critics. In Hong Kong, more than 1 million people protest the massacre of pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. A second reading of the extradition bill is postponed after violent protests break out, blocking roads and attempting to storm parliament. Hong Kong has been wracked by a recent series of protests in support of self-determination for its citizens. Hong Kong’s population surges from 600,000 in 1945 to 2.5 million in 1956. . The movement fails, and many of the leaders, who were students, are jailed. So much of the old city has gone that even shots from the 70's and 80's seem like ancient history. Hong Kong's political and judicial systems may be integrated with China's at that time, or the territory may continue to be administered separately. Why we need booster shots against variants to help end the pandemic, This U.S. national park has the world’s longest cave system. The most recent series of demonstrations initially arose from protests against a controversial bill that would allow extradition to mainland China. But because of the city’s new election structure under Chinese rule, pro-democracy candidates don’t gain a majority in the legislature. I had two bites at the Hong Kong cherry - National Service 1950-52 and in the movie business 1977- 2002, so I recognize many of your locations. A global firm of engineering consultants, designers, development planners & project managers. It galvanizes pro-democracy support in the city, and more candidates in favor of democratic rule run in the next election. Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. But unrest grows due to income inequality and poor working conditions among the surging population. Remnants from the space rock may help explain how often these cosmic explosions occur—and the threat they pose to Earth. Parasites are going extinct. Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright © 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. It declares that China will resume control of Hong Kong on July 1, 1997. It concludes with the Convention of Peking, which cedes the Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island to Britain. The bill is soon withdrawn, but the proposed law faces international criticism and is seen as evidence of China’s desire to restrict freedoms in Hong Kong. Excellent album. Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, was formed as the South China Sea overflowed the coastline of the Kowloon Peninsula. Volcano tourism is booming, but is it too risky? Sign up for more inspiring photos, stories, and special offers from National Geographic. This tumultuous decade sees riots, civil unrest, and social anxiety, coupled with natural disasters like droughts and typhoons. Here's why we need to save them. All rights reserved, Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, expiration of China’s agreement to honor Hong Kong’s Basic Law.