Explore the evolution of Hong Kong and the recent intense protests against extradition. Delve into the historical relationship between Hong Kong and China, including the impact of the opium trade and the first Opium War. Discover the colonial era of Hong Kong under British control and the transformation of the city. Learn about the challenges and uncertainties faced by the British in maintaining control and the negotiations between China and the UK. Understand the birth of Hong Kong's democracy movement and the hope it brought for a better future.
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Quick takeaways
Hong Kong's unique autonomy and economic opportunities attracted people from mainland China.
The current protests in Hong Kong reflect a younger generation's resistance to China's encroachment on the city's autonomy and core values.
Deep dives
Hong Kong's History under British Rule
Hong Kong was a barren island on the edge of the Qing Empire before British colonization. It became a prosperous city attracting people from mainland China due to its unique autonomy and opportunities. However, tensions between China and Hong Kong started to rise as the lease on Hong Kong's territories approached expiration in 1997.
Negotiations and the Handover
Negotiations between the British and Chinese governments in the early 1980s led to the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. This declared that Hong Kong would be returned to China in 1997 but would maintain its unique system, including its economic freedoms and rule of law. The handover took place on July 1, 1997, marking a significant change for the people of Hong Kong.
Challenges to Autonomy and Protests
After the handover, tensions between China and Hong Kong increased as Beijing gradually eroded Hong Kong's autonomy. Proposed legislation in 2003 and 2012 triggered large-scale protests, with demonstrators fearing the erosion of civil liberties and influence from mainland China. Protests continued to escalate, leading to the current demonstrations in 2019.
Current Situation and Resistance
The current protests in Hong Kong reflect a younger generation's resistance to China's encroachment on the city's autonomy and the erosion of its core values. The protesters express a sense of urgency to defend Hong Kong's unique identity and fight for their future, even if there are risks involved.
Over the past six months, demonstrations in Hong Kong have increasingly become more violent and more determined. What started out as a protest against a proposed extradition law has now become a call for China to recognize Hong Kong's semi-autonomy. But what is at the root of this tumultuous relationship between Hong Kong and China? This week, how Hong Kong became one of the most important, and most contested, cities in the world.