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)
