The lease of Hong Kong began in 1842, following the First Opium War between China and Britain. As part of the Treaty of Nanking, China ceded Hong. Kong Island to Britain. Later, on June 9, 1898, the New Territories, a larger area encompassing the mainland territories, were leased to Britain for 99 years.

Under British administration, Hong Kong was given a new rule of law, legal system, and governance structure. They also introduced a comprehensive education system and healthcare reforms. The British encouraged international trade, contributing to Hong Kong’s emergence as a vital trading port.

The British lease generated challenges and controversies, specifically the governance structure that was heavily weighted toward British interests, limiting local participation in the decision-making process. The lack of democratic representation was a significant source of discontent among Hong Kong residents.  This imbalance led to social tensions and demands for greater autonomy, which intensified as the lease approached its end.

In 1997, the lease of Hong Kong expired, and the territory was handed back to China. The handover marked a pivotal moment for Hong Kong as it transitioned from a British colony to a Special Administrative Region of China. Hong Kong was, at this point, promised a high degree of autonomy. However, concerns have arisen about the erosion of these freedoms.

Britain’s lease of Hong Kong plays a large part in the ongoing struggle of Hong Kong and its residents to define and defend their identity and values.

Learn more about Hong Kong’s history and present here:

https://www.britannica.com/place/Hong-Kong/Postwar-Hong-Kong

https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/specials/hongkong/archive/