Why did Britain have a lease on Hong Kong?
China’s imperial Qing Dynasty gave the Hong Kong Island to the United Kingdom under the Treaty of Nanking on August 29, 1842, to end the First Opium War. The lease would allow Britain to also have sovereignty over the New Territories, which is connected to mainland China, together with 235 islands.
Did Britain have a 99-year lease in HK?
By the Convention of 1898, the New Territories together with 235 islands were leased to Britain for 99 years from July 1, 1898. With this expansion of territory, Hong Kong’s population leaped to 120,000 in 1861 and to more than 300,000 by the end of the century.
What was the agreement between China and Britain about Hong Kong?
The Sino-British Joint Declaration, which was signed in 1984, stipulates that Hong Kong would retain its high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms for 50 years after the handover.
How long was Britain’s lease on Hong Kong?
99 years
The final treaty, the 1898 Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, leased the New Territories to Britain for 99 years. Under the terms of the treaty, China would regain control of its leased lands on July 1, 1997.
Why did Britain lease the New Territories?
The contract was signed to give the British full jurisdiction of the newly acquired land that was necessary to ensure proper military defence of the colony around the island.
How did England lease Hong Kong?
Britain invaded the Chinese mainland and occupied the island of Hong Kong on Jan. 25, 1841, using it as a military staging point. China lost the war and had to cede Hong Kong to Britain in the Treaty of Nanking. As a result, Hong Kong became a crown colony of the British Empire.
Was Hong Kong better under the British?
Under the British, Hong Kong had the best of both worlds, the protections of democracy and the efficiency of all-powerful but nervous administrators imported from London. Now it has the worst of both worlds, an increasingly corrupt and feckless local ruling class backstopped by an authoritarian regime.
Who 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.
Is Hong Kong still a British colony?
Hong Kong was a British colony from 1841 to 1941 and again from 1945 to 1997.
When did British rule end in Hong Kong?
1 July 1997
The Hong Kong handover, domestically known as the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong, was the formal passing of authority over the territory of the then colony of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People’s Republic of China at midnight on 1 July 1997.