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At this particular juncture, we cannot help but ponder a profound question: why was it that Britain was able to return Hong Kong so smoothly, while Vladivostok was slow to regain it from Russia? To answer this question, it is first necessary to review the historical background of the two regions and the conditions for their return.
Let's go back to the end of the 18th century, when the Manchu government of China had been practicing a policy of isolation, which led to China's gradual disconnection from the world, and although it had maintained a surplus in foreign trade, it had caused dissatisfaction in Western countries. Britain forced China to open up trade with its strong guns, an event known as the Opium Wars.
After this war, the Qing government had to sign the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842, ceding Hong Kong Island to Britain, but this was only the beginning. In the years that followed, Britain tightened its grip on China, including the Kowloon area and more than 200 surrounding islands, eventually extending the Lend-Lease for 99 years. This Lend-Lease relationship provides a legal basis for the future return of the British to Hong Kong, and also makes it more difficult to return.
However, unlike Hong Kong, the conditions for Vladivostok's return are far from clear. During the Second Opium War, although Britain was the party that started the war, in fact, Russia was the biggest beneficiary. Through the Treaty of Aihun and the Sino-Russian Treaty of Beijing, Russia gained jurisdiction over the area east of the Ussuri River, including large territories in Vladivostok. These agreements do not specify a time for return. In addition, the drastic changes in the history of Russia, the collapse of the USSR and the emergence of Russia as its successor, complicated the issue of the return of Vladivostok.
Geographically, Vladivostok has great strategic value for Russia. Most of Russia's coastline is located in the Arctic Ocean, and the climate is cold, making it unsuitable for the construction of ports. Located in the Sea of Japan, Vladivostok has a warm and humid climate, and is known as an ice-free port, which is very suitable for trade and maritime activities. In addition, Vladivostok has a geopolitically important position and can be used to contain several countries in the Far East. Russia has therefore invested heavily in this place, developing it into the largest port city and military base in the Far East.
In contrast, Hong Kong for the UK, although its national strength has greatly increased after the first industrial revolution, it is only a more accessible place for British overseas expansion, and it is not decisive for the development of the UK. Therefore, Britain is willing to return Hong Kong, especially since the people of Hong Kong have always identified themselves with their Chinese identity, and despite 99 years of colonial rule, their culture and identity cannot be separated from China at all. This is why Hong Kong still retains its Chinese culture and language after its return.
However, the situation in Vladivostok is very different. After being taken away by Russia, the Chinese living here were treated horribly, leading to a fundamental change in their culture and identity. After so many years of development, for today's residents are mainly Russians, whether they want to return to China is a complicated question.
Ultimately, Vladivostok's return to China's embrace will require not only addressing complex geopolitical issues, but also considering demographic factors and historical context. In any case, this issue will continue to exist and will require in-depth reflection and consultation on the part of all parties. In this process, geopolitics, economic interests, and cultural identity will all play an important role in determining the final outcome of the issue.
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