The historic British agreement with China over Hong Kong is a topic of great significance and contention. For over a century, the city was a British colony until it was handed over to China in 1997 under the agreement known as the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The agreement was signed on December 19, 1984, and paved the way for the handover of Hong Kong to China. The agreement laid out the terms of the handover, including terms for the protection of Hong Kong`s autonomy, democratic institutions, and human rights.
The Sino-British Joint Declaration recognized Hong Kong as a special administrative region under Chinese sovereignty, but with a high degree of autonomy. It guaranteed that Hong Kong would be governed by the principles of “one country, two systems,” meaning that it would have its own legal system and financial system separate from mainland China.
The agreement also recognized Hong Kong`s capitalist system and promised that the city would continue to enjoy economic freedoms and a high degree of autonomy for 50 years, until 2047.
Despite the promises made in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, there have been concerns that China is encroaching on Hong Kong`s autonomy and suppressing democratic freedoms in the city. In recent years, there have been protests and clashes between pro-democracy activists and the authorities in Hong Kong.
Critics of China`s government argue that Hong Kong`s autonomy and democratic institutions are under threat, and that the Chinese government is trying to exert more control over the city. Supporters of China, on the other hand, argue that Hong Kong is an integral part of China and that the government has the right to govern the city as it sees fit.
The debate over the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the future of Hong Kong is likely to continue for many years to come. As a professional, it is important to accurately and objectively report on this topic, ensuring that readers have access to a range of viewpoints and perspectives. By doing so, we can help promote informed debate and discussion on this important issue.