Sino-British Joint Declaration

Quick Facts: Who was Sino-British Joint Declaration?

Subject:

Sino-British Joint Declaration

Known for:

1984 treaty setting conditions for Hong Kong's transfer to Chinese control after 1997.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Sino-British Joint Declaration was a treaty signed in 1984 between the governments of China and the United Kingdom which set the conditions in which Hong Kong was transferred to Chinese control and for the governance of the territory after 1 July 1997. Hong Kong had been a colony of the British Empire since 1842 and its territory was expanded on two occasions; first in 1860 with the addition of Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island, as both were ceded in perpetuity, and again in 1898 when Britain obtained a 99-year lease for the New Territories.

Career & Major Achievements

The date of the handover in 1997 marked the end of this lease. The Chinese government declared in the treaty its basic policies for governing Hong Kong after the transfer.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

A special administrative region would be established in the territory that would be self-governing with a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign affairs and defence. Hong Kong would maintain its existing governing and economic systems separate from that of mainland China under the principle of "one country, two systems".

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1842: 1842 Milestone — Hong Kong had been a colony of the British Empire since 1842 and its territory was expanded on two occasions; first in 1860 with the addition of Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island, as both were ceded in perpetuity, and again in 1898 when Britain obtained a 99-year lease for the New Territories.
2. 1984: 1984 Milestone — The Sino-British Joint Declaration was a treaty signed in 1984 between the governments of China and the United Kingdom which set the conditions in which Hong Kong was transferred to Chinese control and for the governance of the territory after 1 July 1997.
3. 1997: 1997 Milestone — The date of the handover in 1997 marked the end of this lease.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sino-British Joint Declaration

True or False: “The Sino-British Joint Declaration established the principle of "one country, two systems" to ensure Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy after the handover.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The principle of "one country, two systems" was the core policy guaranteeing that Hong Kong would maintain its existing economic and governing systems separate from mainland China.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sino-British Joint Declaration