Hong Kong British China Agreement

The Hong Kong British China Agreement – A Brief History

The Hong Kong British China Agreement, also known as the Sino-British Joint Declaration, was a treaty signed between the United Kingdom and China on December 19, 1984. The agreement marked the end of the British colonial rule in Hong Kong and the return of the island back to China in 1997.

The treaty came into existence after years of negotiation between the two countries. The negotiations started during the 1970s when China first approached the UK for talks on the return of Hong Kong. The talks continued for over a decade, with the British government eventually agreeing to hand over the colony to China.

The agreement set out the terms and conditions of the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong from the UK to China. Under the treaty, Hong Kong was to remain a Special Administrative Region of China for a period of 50 years. During this time, Hong Kong was to maintain its capitalist economic system and way of life, including its freedom of speech, press, and assembly.

The agreement also established the process for the formation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which would have its own government and legislature, but would remain under Chinese sovereignty. The agreement guaranteed that Hong Kong`s legal system would remain separate from China`s and that its citizens would be protected under the Basic Law, a constitution-like document that outlines Hong Kong`s political and legal system.

The Hong Kong British China Agreement was viewed as a major diplomatic achievement for both China and the UK. For Hong Kong, the agreement meant that the colony could continue to operate as a free-market economy and uphold its unique culture and way of life. For China, the agreement marked a significant milestone in its quest to reclaim sovereignty over Hong Kong, which it viewed as an inalienable part of its territory.

In recent years, the Hong Kong British China Agreement has come under scrutiny due to China`s growing influence over the territory. Pro-democracy activists have accused China of violating the agreement by imposing its communist political and legal system on Hong Kong. The Chinese government, on the other hand, has maintained that it is committed to the “One Country, Two Systems” policy outlined in the agreement.

In conclusion, the Hong Kong British China Agreement was a landmark treaty that represented a major turning point in the history of Hong Kong and the UK. While the agreement has faced challenges in recent years, it remains an important milestone in the relationship between China and the UK, as well as an essential document for the people of Hong Kong.