• 11/10/2024

A brief history of Hong Kong – the city’s turbulent road since the 1997 Handover

Hong Kong Free Press

Hong Kong has endured a turbulent history since being handed over from Britain to China 27 years ago. Here are some key dates:

1997: Handover

On July 1, at midnight, Hong Kong is returned to Chinese sovereignty after 156 years of British rule.

Hong Kong handover ceremony
The Hong Kong handover ceremony on July 1, 1997. Photo: GovHK.

The tiny territory has its own mini-constitution that governs its autonomy as a Special Administrative Region within China.

Beijing promises a “One Country, Two Systems” approach to the territory, meaning it will maintain freedoms not available to mainland Chinese.

The city is governed by a chief executive, chosen by a Beijing-controlled committee. Laws are passed by a legislative council, of which a minority of members are democratically elected.

Financial, then health crisis

In October, just months after the handover, the Asian financial crisis grips Hong Kong, plunging the banking hub into economic slowdown.

SARS 2003
The 2003 SARS outbreak. Photo: Alex Hofford.

Five years later, the pneumonia-like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus kills 299 people in Hong Kong and 1,800 worldwide, devastating Asian economies.

2003: China steps in, national security bill

Beijing seeks to relaunch Hong Kong’s economy, moving in 2003 to gradually lift customs barriers on Hong Kong products exported to the mainland. Travel restrictions on Chinese from the mainland are eased, boosting tourism numbers.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee
Then-security chief Regina Ip in 2003. Photo: GovHK.

In July, an unprecedented half a million of Hong Kong’s seven million people march against an unpopular national security bill, which they see as an attempt by Beijing to restrict their freedoms.

The bill is subsequently dropped — a rare government climbdown.

2004: Calls for more democracy

In January, 100,000 people march through the city calling for more democracy, bringing to a head a simmering row over the constitution’s lack of clarity on electing lawmakers. In April, China rules out a swift change.

2007: Universal suffrage promised

Beijing schedules for 2017 the first democratic election of the chief executive, and for 2020 elections to the legislative council. The promises disappoint pro-democracy demonstrators demanding universal suffrage from 2012.

2014: Umbrella Movement

Beijing proposes a limited version of universal suffrage meaning Hong Kongers will be able to choose from a small group of Beijing-vetted candidates.

2014 umbrella movement
2014 Umbrella Movement. Photo: Studio Incendo.

The announcement sparks a 79-day occupation of major thoroughfares known as the “Umbrella Movement”. The protesters secure no concessions from Beijing, prompting a minority of protesters in subsequent years to harden their positions, including advocating Hong Kong’s independence.

2019: Massive protests

The Hong Kong government tries to fast-track a bill allowing extraditions to China’s Communist Party-controlled courts, sparking the biggest protests since the handover.

protest march five demands 1 July 2020 causeway bay
Photo: May James/HKFP.

Millions take to the streets during seven months of unrest while a smaller section of hardcore protesters frequently battle police in often violent confrontations that see thousands arrested.

The movement soon morphs into a new call for democracy and police accountability, but is eventually suppressed.

2020: Covid-19

In January Hong Kong is one of the first places affected by the coronavirus epidemic.

mask coronavirus covid masks
A woman wearing face mask as precautionary measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus walk pass the discount signs read ÒLess Gathering, More Offers!. 20% off for all takeaway orders outside a restaurant. Photo: May James/HKFP.

The executive takes drastic measures, including a ban on public gatherings, effectively ending the pro-democracy demonstrations.

2020: National Security Law

In June Beijing passes a national security law for Hong Kong, bypassing the local legislature.

China’s security agencies will be able to operate publicly in the city for the first time.

national security
A national security law poster. Photo: GovHK.

Beijing will have jurisdiction over some cases, toppling the legal firewall that has existed between Hong Kong and mainland courts.

Calls for independence or greater autonomy are banned.

The move sees most pro-democracy leaders either jailed, giving up politics or fleeing abroad.

Several countries say the law has ended the principle of “One Country, Two Systems” approach, which was supposed to be in place until 2047.

2021: Electoral reform

In March China approves a radical “patriots only” reform of the electoral system, which completely sidelines the opposition.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang (second from left) and Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission Barnabas Fung (second from right) pour ballots from a ballot box in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on December 20, 2021. Photo: GovHK.
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang (second from left) and Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission Barnabas Fung (second from right) pour ballots from a ballot box in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on December 20, 2021. Photo: GovHK.

Under new rules, only those deemed politically loyal can stand for office, and the number of directly elected seats is slashed.

2022: Xi visits

Chinese leader Xi Jinping visits Hong Kong for the 25th anniversary of the handover, the halfway point of the 50-year transitionary governance model.

Chief Executive John Lee briefs President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Hong Kong's situation on December 18, 2023. Photo: GovHK.
Chief Executive John Lee briefs President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Hong Kong’s situation on December 18, 2023. Photo: GovHK.

He praises the “One Country, Two Systems” model, saying there is “no reason at all to change and it must be upheld in the long run”.

Hong Kong’s former security chief John Lee, who oversaw the clampdown on the pro-democracy movement, is sworn in as the city’s new leader following a selection process where he faces no rivals.

2024: homegrown security law

In March Hong Kong passes an additional, homegrown national security law, which city leader John Lee said fulfilled “a constitutional responsibility that is overdue for 26 years”.

article 23 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance
Chief Executive John Lee signs the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance into law, effective March 23, 2024. Photo: GovHK.

The law — which stems from a requirement under Hong Kong’s Basic Law Article 23 — punishes five major categories of crimes, including treason, insurrection, espionage, sabotage, and foreign interference, with penalties up to life in prison.

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https://hongkongfp.com/2024/07/01/a-brief-history-of-hong-kong-the-citys-turbulent-road-since-handover/