Was Hong Kong a country before 1997?

Was Hong Kong a country before 1997?

British Hong Kong was a colony and dependent territory of the British Empire from 1841 to 1997, apart from a brief period under Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945. The colonial period began with the occupation of Hong Kong Island in 1841 during the First Opium War.

Why did Britain give back Hong Kong?

The treaty of Nanking in 1842 ceded Hong Kong to the British. Their big ships and military might meant China had little choice at the end of the first opium war. It was given to them in perpetuity. It was this, the New Territories, that in 1898 the British pledged to give back in 1997.

Who owned Hong Kong before China?

The Qing dynasty ceded Hong Kong to the British Empire in 1842 through the treaty of Nanjing, ending the First Opium War. Hong Kong then became a British crown colony. Britain also won the Second Opium War, forcing the Qing Empire to cede Kowloon in 1860, while leasing the New Territories for 99 years from 1898.

How long was Hong Kong Independent?

Hong Kong was a colony of the United Kingdom, ruled by a governor appointed by the monarchy of the United Kingdom, for 156 years from 1841 (except for four years of Japanese occupation during WWII) until 1997, when it was reverted to Chinese sovereignty.

Does Hong Kong belong to China?

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China and is an “inalienable part” of the country. Due to its special status, Hong Kong is able to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative, and independent judicial power.

When did Hong Kong became a British colony?

1841
The United Kingdom had held Hong Kong as a colony since 1841, when it occupied the area during the First Opium War.

Who does Hong Kong belong to?

The People’s Republic of China
Hong Kong exists as a Special Administrative Region controlled by The People’s Republic of China and enjoys its own limited autonomy as defined by the Basic Law. The principle of “one country, two systems” allows for the coexistence of socialism and capitalism under “one country,” which is mainland China.

Can British take back Hong Kong?

Originally Answered: Why doesn’t the UK take back Hong Kong? Answer is very simple; Hong Kong had always belonged to China before it was forced to be leased to Britain after the Opium War. Period: 1839–1842, under an unfair treaty called the Treaty of Nanking.

Does Hong Kong and Taiwan belong to China?

The position of the Republic of China has been that it is a de jure sovereign state. “Republic of China,” according to the ROC government’s definition, extended to both mainland China (Including Hong Kong and Macau) and the island of Taiwan.

When did Great Britain hand Hong Kong back to China?

In 1997, the British handed Hong Kong back to China, the end of a 99-year lease and an event that was dreaded and anticipated by the residents, Chinese, English, and rest of the world.

When Hong Kong was ceded to China?

On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong was peaceably handed over to China in a ceremony attended by numerous Chinese, British, and international dignitaries.

When did China regain control of Hong Kong?

The British control of Hong Kong began in 1842, when China was forced to cede Hong Kong Island to Britain after the First Opium War . In 1984 Britain and China signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which stipulated that Hong Kong return to Chinese rule in 1997 as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China.

When will China take over Hong Kong?

It’s clear that one year before China takes control; the people of Hong Kong are divided in their feelings. A period of more than 150 years of British colonial rule ends at midnight on June 30, 1997 when Hong Kong and its 6,000,000 people will be handed over to China.