In 1984, Britain and China signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which made it clear that Hong Kong would be returned to China from Britain in 1997. This statement not only marks an end, but also heralds a new beginning. In the process, Hong Kong's future has become the focus of the game between the two countries. Britain is trying to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability while China insists on the bottom line of sovereignty and emphasizes the inevitability of Hong Kong's return to China. Against this backdrop, Hong Kong's economic and political prospects and its post-handover model have become the focus of international attention.
On a late spring day in the mid-80s of the 20th century, on the shores of Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, the sound of ship horns pierced the quiet sea from time to time. Here, every whistle of the ship seems to tell of the great change that is coming.
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher arrived in Beijing in September 1982, her first visit to China as Prime Minister and a demonstration of confidence after her victory in the Falklands War. Her visit was not a simple state visit, but an in-depth and intense negotiation over the fate of Hong Kong's future.
In an ornate reception room in the Great Hall of the People, Mrs. Thatcher and China's leader, Deng Xiaoping, sat on either side of an elaborate coffee table, an air of tension and politeness permeating the air. Margaret Thatcher was the first to break the silence: "Mr. Tang, we all know that the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong is very important to the whole of Southeast Asia and the world. The UK hopes to continue to play an active role in Hong Kong. ”
Deng Xiaoping adjusted his glasses and responded in a firm and calm tone: "Hong Kong is a part of China, and this is a fact that neither history nor law can change. We understand your concerns, but there is no room for negotiation on sovereignty. ”
The negotiations lasted several hours, with both sides trying to find some form of consensus while maintaining their respective positions. Margaret Thatcher's proposal to try to maintain British influence did not change China's determination that Hong Kong must be fully returned.
In the years that followed, negotiations between the two sides did not stop. In the 1990s, the political and economic situation in Hong Kong became more complicated. The decision of the British government in Hong Kong to invest HK$127 billion in the construction of a new airport without China's consent has sparked strong dissatisfaction from the Chinese government.
At an internal meeting in Beijing, Chinese policymakers discussed countermeasures. "We must be clear about our position, and any attempt to influence Hong Kong's return to the motherland is unacceptable," a senior official said. ”
In 1992, as negotiations continued, Britain gradually became aware of China's determination on Hong Kong. Margaret Thatcher had left office, and the new Government was more inclined to look for a peaceful and transitional solution. In this year, representatives of the new British government came to Beijing and held a new round of negotiations with the Chinese government.
During the talks, the Chinese side expressed its dissatisfaction with the unilateral decision of the British government in Hong Kong, while emphasizing Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy after the handover. For the first time, the principles of "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and "one country, two systems" were clearly put forward and attracted the attention of the British side.
On a late autumn night in 1994, the streets of Hong Kong could already feel the imminent handover. In a café, a group of locals sit around and discuss the future changes.
"Have you heard? The government says that the construction of the new airport will continue, but the funding is still being discussed. A middle-aged man said.
"Yes, I heard from my cousin that he worked in the government, and now both China and Britain are rubbing over this airport matter. Another woman continued.
On July 1, 1997, it finally arrived. The five-star red flag was raised over Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, symbolizing Hong Kong's official return to China. Although there were many disagreements and controversies before this, at this moment, all voices seemed to freeze.
At the handover ceremony, senior officials from Beijing were joined by representatives of the former British government in Hong Kong for the historic moment. The national anthems of the two countries resounded intertwined across the land of Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
With the handover of Hong Kong, the new airport project continued, and although it was controversial and financially burdensome at first, it was eventually completed with the support of the central government and became a world-class aviation hub, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for Hong Kong.
The return of Hong Kong is not only the return of sovereignty, but also a kind of healing of history. From the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842 to the handover in 1997, the history between Hong Kong and Chinese mainland is a complex historical picture. On this picture, every stroke carries the memory and pride of the nation. As Deng Xiaoping said, "Time is the best antidote and the best teacher." "The wheel of history is rolling forward, Hong Kong's yesterday has become a memory, and Hong Kong's tomorrow is carrying infinite possibilities.