Hong Kong's Handover: Twists and Turns in Sino-British Negotiations and Interpretation of Rumors In the two years from September 1982 to September 1984, the Chinese and British governments held lengthy consultations and talks on the return of Hong Kong. This period coincided with the National People's Congress and the National People's Congress in May 1984, when representatives from Hong Kong and Macao went to Beijing to attend the conference, and Hong Kong journalists flocked to it. During this period, a series of rumors and twists and turns occurred, which aroused people's attention to the Hong Kong issue. This article will answer how those rumors came about, what twists and turns the two countries experienced during the 1984 negotiations, and interpret the entire handover process.
The question of Hong Kong's historical ownership dates back to 1898, when China leased Hong Kong to the UK for 99 years until June 30, 1997. However, this lease was not recognized after the establishment of the Chinese government. Chairman Mao said in 1974 that the Hong Kong issue would have to be resolved by Deng Xiaoping and others in the nineties. Therefore, China and Britain began the stage of secret negotiations in September 1982. During the consultation phase, Deng Xiaoping held talks with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Thatcher insisted that historic treaties were still valid and that China would have to reach a new deal with Britain to take back Hong Kong.
Deng Xiaoping insisted that there was no ambiguity on the issue of Hong Kong's sovereignty, and that the focus should be on a smooth handover and Hong Kong's prosperity. He also said that after the return of Hong Kong, Britain will end the image of colonizers and be praised by the world. This position left Thatcher helpless and could only threaten Deng Xiaoping to use Hong Kong's economic development and social conditions to reach a deal. However, Thatcher did not realize that the China represented by Deng Xiaoping was an unshakable force. As the negotiations progressed, the positions of China and the UK gradually became clear. In June 1983, the Chinese media revealed that if Britain continued to mess around, China would announce its own solution in September 1984, and it would not need Britain's cooperation.
The news made Britain nervous, and Hong Kong Governor Youde immediately went to London to discuss countermeasures. Thus, on July 12, 1983, the second phase of formal talks between China and Britain began. However, due to differences between the two sides over Hong Kong's ownership and governance, the talks went through several rounds of negotiations without making any progress. At the same time, the British media fanned the flames in Hong Kong, causing the people to panic and there was a rush to buy and buy. Fortunately, patriotic overseas Chinese Bao Yugang came forward to calm the situation, inject new investment into Hong Kong, and stabilize the market and people's hearts. The Chinese move to unite eventually led Britain to compromise, accepting the "one country, two systems" solution and agreeing to withdraw it until New Year's Day 2000.
However, the negotiations did not resolve the issue, and there were still some twists and turns in the 1984 negotiations. An important issue is the garrison. The British representative claimed that the mainland garrison would scare the people of Hong Kong and lead to mass immigration. They demanded that the People's Liberation Army only need to be stationed in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and that if other countries invade, it needs to obtain consent to enter Hong Kong to carry out its mission. The remarks drew the ire of Chinese representatives, who insisted on stationing troops in Hong Kong and said it was a sign of sovereignty exercise. During the meeting with Hong Kong and Macao commissioners and journalists, the Chinese leader once again emphasized this position and clarified previous rumors. However, during the negotiations, some journalists questioned the government's position and ideas.
Journalists dug into the statements of some government officials in an attempt to create contradictions and difficulties. For example, when reporters asked Geng Biao for his views on the garrison, he answered a question vaguely in a tired state, which was misinterpreted by the media and caused a series of discussions and controversies. In Deng Xiaoping's speech, China Central Radio and Television clarified the rumors and stabilized the hearts of Hong Kong people. Finally, after many rounds of consultation and efforts, China and the UK ended the handover process of Hong Kong on June 30, 1997. On this day, the Chinese and British governments held a handover ceremony in Hong Kong, and the five-star red flag and the red flag of bauhinia flowers flew over Hong Kong together, marking that Hong Kong has finally returned to the embrace of the motherland.
This historic moment is a proud and exciting event for all Chinese. Looking back at the entire handover process, we can see that China and the UK have experienced many twists and turns and rumors in the consultations. However, China stood its ground and eventually succeeded in bringing about Hong Kong's return. This process fully demonstrates the firm determination and wisdom of the Chinese government, as well as the unity and patriotism of the Chinese people. However, the handover is only the beginning, and Hong Kong's governance and development still face many challenges. The author believes that the Chinese government should continue to adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems", strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong, and promote Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
At the same time, Hong Kong itself also needs to strengthen social and economic development and enhance people's sense of gain and happiness. Only by working together can we realize the common expectations of China and the UK for Hong Kong. Finally, I would like to ask readers a question: what is your opinion on the process of Hong Kong's handover? What challenges do you think Hong Kong faces in the future? Please share your views and suggestions in the comments.