Did you know that Hong Kong, a treasure land, has experienced a magnificent history. From the Treaty of Nanking in 1842 to the return of Hong Kong to the embrace of the motherland in 1997, so many stories have happened along the way. But have you ever thought about how behind all this, China and Britain finally reached a consensus through fierce games? How did Hong Kong's economic development and social changes move forward steadily in the midst of wind and rain? Today, we will unveil the veil of history and talk about the secrets of Hong Kong's return to the motherland on the eve of Hong Kong's return that you may not know. What are the inside stories that we don't know? Follow my lens and let's explore this almost forgotten history!
Having said that, the land of Hong Kong has been an inseparable part of the Chinese nation since ancient times. However, after the end of the Opium War in 1842, the Qing government was forced to sign the Treaty of Nanjing, and Hong Kong Island fell into British hands. Subsequently, Kowloon and the New Territories were also leased to the United Kingdom for a period of 99 years through the 1898 Extension of the Hong Kong Boundary Clause. In this way, Hong Kong became a British colony until 1997, when it was returned to the motherland.
Don't look at Hong Kong's prosperity and strength now, Hong Kong at that time was extremely stormy. The feudal rulers of the late Qing Dynasty, although weak, did not abandon Hong Kong. A group of aspiring young people in the hinterland, in order to save the national crisis, have taken up the banner of resistance. Their fighting spirit injected a powerful force into the later Hong Kong struggle.
In 1949, when the People's Republic of China was founded, Hong Kong was still in the hands of the British, but the People's Liberation Army had been stationed at the junction of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and it was only one step away from recovering the lost territory. Out of consideration for the international situation, Chairman Mao decided to postpone the resumption of Hong Kong and wait until the end of the lease period to take it back in a more dignified way.
In the 60s and 70s of the 20th century, Hong Kong's economy began to rise rapidly, becoming one of the four Asian tigers, and its development speed attracted the attention of the world. Not only Chinese mainland is optimistic about Hong Kong, but even Britain is unwilling to let go, hoping to continue to reap benefits from it. As the date of the 1997 handover approached, Britain became more and more hawkish at the negotiating table.
In 1995, the then Director of Welfare of Hong Kong mentioned in his speech that Hong Kong's welfare expenditure had grown by 27%. He declared that this rate of growth would continue for five years. These remarks were particularly sensitive in the context of the time, as China and Britain were engaged in intense negotiations over Hong Kong's return to the motherland. If this rate continues, Hong Kong will continue to implement this policy after the handover in 1997, which is clearly in conflict with the Chinese government's plans. China insists that Hong Kong should gradually achieve institutional integration with the mainland after its return to the motherland, rather than maintaining an island with high welfare.
Against this backdrop, negotiations between China and the UK have been extremely difficult. Britain has tried to use Hong Kong's high welfare system as a bargaining chip to gain concessions on other, more important issues. China, on the other hand, adheres to its principles and is unwilling to make any compromises on sovereignty. The atmosphere at the negotiating table was sometimes tense and sometimes calm, and the representatives of the two sides insisted on their own words and quarreled over each other.
It was then that the Chinese government discovered a major security flaw in Hong Kong, a discovery that further complicates the situation. It turned out that during the years of Hong Kong's years under British rule, some key security measures were not effectively implemented, which was a huge hidden danger for the imminent return of Hong Kong. The Chinese government urgently needs to resolve these issues thoroughly before the handover in order to ensure stability in Hong Kong after the handover.
In response, on the eve of the handover in 1997, 509 heavily armed PLA soldiers were sent to Hong Kong. Although this action has caused some controversy, its essence is to ensure the safety of Hong Kong on the eve of the handover. This decision was very sensitive and necessary at the time, and it was not only about Hong Kong's future security, but also about the country's sovereignty and dignity.
At the same time, Hong Kong's economic and social development is also in full swing. Hong Kong's geographical location has made it an important hub for international trade, and economic activity here is becoming more and more frequent. Hong Kong's cultural industries such as film, music, and fashion have also begun to expand globally, becoming a bridge between the East and the West. During this period, despite the challenges it faced, Hong Kong also showed remarkable dynamism and resilience.
In the final stage of the return negotiations, China and the UK finally reached consensus on a number of key issues. On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong officially returned to the motherland, which was regarded as a historic moment by Chinese people around the world. The day's return ceremony was simple and solemn, marking the beginning of a new era. The return of Hong Kong to the motherland is not only a handover of regional administrative power, but also an important milestone in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
By understanding the magnificent history of Hong Kong from 1842 to 1997, we can deeply feel that every historical node embodies the struggle and wisdom of countless people. Hong Kong's return to the motherland is not accidental, but the result of the Chinese nation's long-term efforts and persistence. This historical event not only changed the fate of Hong Kong, but also had a profound impact on the development of China as a whole. Today, Hong Kong is an international metropolis and continues to shine on the world stage.