Hand-over ceremony, July 1, 1997

On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong, a British Crown Colony, was handed over to China as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. It was decided between the British and Chinese governments that Hong Kong's relationship with the mainland will be governed by two concepts: "One Country, Two Systems" and "Hong Kong People Governing Hong Kong".

One Country, Two Systems

This principle was expressed by the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. It means that China will not force Hong Kong's economic, legal, financial or planning system. It will still be run like it has been by the British. That means there is still an independent legal system and not much government interference. China made the promise that Hong Kong will be allowed to continue this way for 50 years at the least.

Hong Kong People Governing Hong Kong

Tung Chee-hwa, a citizen of Hong Kong, is the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong. His own cabinet is the Executive Council, which is constituted by a chosen selection of Hong Kong citizens. All laws are discussed and passed by the Legislative Council, which is also made up entirely of Hong Kong people. The only mainland Chinese group that is new to Hong Kong are the soldiers of the mainland Chinese army and naval forces. They have replaced the British military presence.

The Hand-over -- July 1, 1997

Hong Kong was formally handed back by Prince Charles on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II of UK to the People's Republic of China in a ceremony at the newly built Convention and Exhibition Center. The whole event lasted no more than half an hour.

Chinese president Jiang Zemin and premier minister Li Peng also attended the ceremony, as well as the 28th and last governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten.

A musical rendition accompanied the entry of delegates from both the British and Chinese sides. The British were led by General Sir Charles Guthrie, Commander of the British Forces, Mr. Chris Patten, Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, Prime Minister Tony Blair and Prince Charles. For the Chinese, Mr. Jiang Zemin and Mr. Li Peng led Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission and PLA chief General Zhang Wannian and Tung Chee-Hwa.

Mr. Jiang walked to the podium and began his first address. "The national flag of the People's Republic of China and the regional flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China have now solemnly risen over this land. [...] The return of Hong Kong to the motherland after going through a century of vicissitudes indicates that from now on, the Hong Kong compatriots have become true masters of this Chinese land and that Hong Kong has now entered a new era of development." Mr Jiang promised to stick by the "one country, two systems" concept. The principal delegates then concluded the ceremony by shaking hands.

(CCTV.com June 2007)