🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 16 (from laksa124)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa016.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-40426827\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-40426827\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-40426827","crawl_time":1774022393,"first_indexed_time":1529818486,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,bbc!www,\/news\/world-asia-china-40426827 s443","src_root_hash":"1643509356818581016","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Hong Kong's handover: How the UK returned it to China","meta_descriptions":["Why was Hong Kong British, how was it returned to China and what does the future of the city look like?"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"1 July 2022\nGetty Images\nHong Kong will commemorate the 25th anniversary of its handover from Britain to China on 1 July\nEvery year, on 1 July, Hong Kong marks the day where it was returned from British to Chinese control.\nThis year, the city will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the British handover - at a time when it's coming under increased Chinese control.\nBut what is Hong Kong's connection to Britain, when was it returned to China, and most importantly, what does its future look like?\nHere's what you need to know:\nWhat led to the handover?\nBritain first took over Hong Kong island in 1842, after defeating China in the First Opium War. After the Second Opium War, Beijing was forced to also cede Kowloon in 1860, the area on the mainland opposite the island.\nIn 1898, to enforce its control of the area, the UK leased additional land, known as the New Territories, promising to return them to China in 99 years.\nAFP\nBritain's last governor of Hong Kong receives the Union Jack flag after it is lowered for the last time\nHong Kong developed rapidly under UK rule, becoming one of the world's major financial and business centres.\nThen in 1982, London and Beijing began the difficult process of negotiating the territory's return to Chinese rule.\nHong Kong had developed a vastly different political and economic system from mainland China, which since 1949 had been under authoritarian one-party Communist rule.\nRead more about Hong Kong since the handover:\nWhat will the next 25 years hold for Hong Kong?\nFive moments in fraught Hong Kong-China relations\nHong Kong's year under China's controversial law\nWhat Hong Kong can expect from 'Beijing's enforcer'\nHong Kong free media buckles under China pressure\nWhat was agreed for the future of Hong Kong?\nChina agreed to govern Hong Kong under the principle of \"one country, two systems\", where the city would enjoy \"a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs\" for the next 50 years.\nHong Kong became a Special Administrative Region, and would retain certain freedoms, including:\nan independent judiciary\nmultiple political parties\nfreedom of assembly and speech\nThe territory has its own mini-constitution - the Basic Law - that enshrines these rights.\nIt states that \"the ultimate aim\" is to elect the territory's leader, the chief executive, \"by universal suffrage\" and \"in accordance with democratic procedures\".\nHow is Hong Kong ruled now?\nThe leader is the chief executive, elected by a 1,500-member election committee.\nThe parliament is the Legislative Council (LegCo). It is made up half of directly elected representatives and half by representatives chosen by professional or special interest groups.\nGetty Images\nJohn Lee, a staunchly pro-Beijing supporter, was selected as Hong Kong's new chief executive in 2022\nIn 2021, in a sign of China's increasing influence, Beijing passed a resolution that fundamentally altered LegCo.\nUnder the new \"patriots\" law, all LegCo candidates must be vetted by a separate screening committee - making it easier to bar anyone deemed as being critical of Beijing.\nIt also drastically shrank the proportion of lawmakers who can be directly voted in by the people - from 50% to 22%.\nAs of 2022, nearly all of the LegCo members are pro-Beijing.\nThe city's chief executive elections also saw John Lee - a staunch Beijing supporter and the only candidate in the running- appointed to the role.\nWhat's happened in Hong Kong since then?\nOver the years, China has increasingly tightened its grip over Hong Kong.\nThe tipping point was 2019 when China proposed an extradition bill that could potentially allow HongKongers accused of of crimes to be tried in China.\nAnger over the potential bill erupted into some of the largest protests Hong Kong had ever seen. Police forces responded to demonstrators with water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas, exacerbating tensions between protesters and the government.\nAnd on 1 July, protesters forced their way into parliament, tearing portraits down, smashing furniture, with one even raising the old British colonial flag.\nIn response, China passed the highly controversial National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 - it criminalised any act of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.\nBeijing insists the law is necessary for bringing stability to the city, but critics argue its so loosely defined that it;s made it easier for Beijing to clamp down on protests and free speech.\nHundreds of protesters, activists and former opposition lawmakers have also been arrested since the introduction of the law.\nGetty Images\nProtests against the national security law saw demonstrators being met with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets\nExpressions of political dissent have also been notably muted since.\nWhile 1 July has historically seen pro-democracy protests demanding universal suffrage and Hong Kong's autonomy, recent years have seen few public gatherings.\nWhat will happen after 2047?\nAfter 2047, mainland China is no longer obliged to grant Hong Kong the autonomy agreed on with Britain before the 1997 handover, leaving the city's fate unclear.\nBut one senior Beijing official said the governing principle of \"one country, two systems\" would not necessarily change come 2047.\n\"There is no need to change after 50 years,\" Shen Chunyao said at a legal conference in the weeks leading up to the 25th anniversary of the handover.\nHowever, he suggested that \"timely improvements\" needed to be made, saying that otherwise \"its potential cannot be achieved in the long run\".\nBut others have taken a stronger stance.\n\"As an inalienable part of China, we cannot afford to be a country that undermines the security of China,\" said Regina Ip, one of Hong Kong's most well-known pro-Beijing lawmakers.\n\"If they don't think the current system is sustainable, the option will be to reintegrate Hong Kong, even before 2047.\"","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-40426827#main-content)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news)\n- [Sport](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport)\n- [Business](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/business)\n- [Technology](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/technology)\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/health)\n- [Culture](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture)\n- [Arts](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/arts)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel)\n- [Earth](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future-planet)\n- [Audio](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/audio)\n- [Video](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/video)\n- [Live](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/live)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/home)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news)\n  - [US & Canada](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/us-canada)\n  - [UK](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/uk)\n    - [UK Politics](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/politics)\n    - [England](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/england)\n    - [N. 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[Live Sport](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/live\/sport)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/)\n\nNews\n\n[Sport](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport)\n\nBusiness\n\nTechnology\n\n[Health](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/health)\n\nCulture\n\nArts\n\nTravel\n\nEarth\n\nAudio\n\nVideo\n\nLive\n\n[Weather](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/weather)\n\n[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/newsletters)\n\n# Hong Kong's handover: How the UK returned it to China\n1 July 2022\n\nShare\n\nSave\n\nShare\n\nSave\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images A man walks past banners at a ferry pier with a slogan celebrating the upcoming 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from Britain to China, in Hong Kong on June 16, 2022.](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/16B28\/production\/_125586929_gettyimages-1241339647.jpg.webp)Getty Images\n\nHong Kong will commemorate the 25th anniversary of its handover from Britain to China on 1 July\n\n**Every year, on 1 July, Hong Kong marks the day where it was returned from British to Chinese control.**\n\nThis year, the city will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the British handover - at a time when it's coming under increased Chinese control.\n\nBut what is Hong Kong's connection to Britain, when was it returned to China, and most importantly, what does its future look like?\n\nHere's what you need to know:\n\n## What led to the handover?\nBritain first took over Hong Kong island in 1842, after defeating China in the First Opium War. After the Second Opium War, Beijing was forced to also cede Kowloon in 1860, the area on the mainland opposite the island.\n\nIn 1898, to enforce its control of the area, the UK leased additional land, known as the New Territories, promising to return them to China in 99 years.\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![AFP Chris Patten receives the Union Jack flag](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/367F\/production\/_96715931_58db8006-1e37-4c64-86e9-1f09b4112fc2.jpg.webp)AFP\n\nBritain's last governor of Hong Kong receives the Union Jack flag after it is lowered for the last time\n\nHong Kong developed rapidly under UK rule, becoming one of the world's major financial and business centres.\n\nThen in 1982, London and Beijing began the difficult process of negotiating the territory's return to Chinese rule.\n\nHong Kong had developed a vastly different political and economic system from mainland China, which since 1949 had been under authoritarian one-party Communist rule.\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![line](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/F697\/production\/_125572136_2649d4cc-b027-4e6b-ae14-355b0bc33a18.jpg.webp)\n\n## Read more about Hong Kong since the handover:\n- [What will the next 25 years hold for Hong Kong?](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-61948005)\n- [Five moments in fraught Hong Kong-China relations](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-61809659)\n- [Hong Kong's year under China's controversial law](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-57649442)\n- [What Hong Kong can expect from 'Beijing's enforcer'](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-61267496)\n- [Hong Kong free media buckles under China pressure](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-57633767)\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![line](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/1357B\/production\/_125572297_67c53967-ed8d-404b-9341-aea453f8365d.jpg.webp)\n\n## What was agreed for the future of Hong Kong?\nChina agreed to govern Hong Kong under the principle of \"one country, two systems\", where the city would enjoy \"a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs\" for the next 50 years.\n\nHong Kong became a Special Administrative Region, and would retain certain freedoms, including:\n\n- an independent judiciary\n- multiple political parties\n- freedom of assembly and speech\n\nThe territory has its own mini-constitution - the Basic Law - that enshrines these rights.\n\nIt states that \"the ultimate aim\" is to elect the territory's leader, the chief executive, \"by universal suffrage\" and \"in accordance with democratic procedures\".\n\n## How is Hong Kong ruled now?\nThe leader is the chief executive, elected by a 1,500-member election committee.\n\nThe parliament is the Legislative Council (LegCo). It is made up half of directly elected representatives and half by representatives chosen by professional or special interest groups.\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images John Lee, chief secretary for administration of Hong Kong government and chairman of the Candidate Eligibility Review](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/84B0\/production\/_125586933_gettyimages-1354817370.jpg.webp)Getty Images\n\nJohn Lee, a staunchly pro-Beijing supporter, was selected as Hong Kong's new chief executive in 2022\n\nIn 2021, in a sign of China's increasing influence, Beijing passed a resolution that fundamentally altered LegCo.\n\nUnder the new \"patriots\" law, all LegCo candidates must be vetted by a separate screening committee - making it easier to bar anyone deemed as being critical of Beijing.\n\nIt also drastically shrank the proportion of lawmakers who can be directly voted in by the people - from 50% to 22%.\n\nAs of 2022, nearly all of the LegCo members are pro-Beijing.\n\nThe city's chief executive elections also saw John Lee - a staunch Beijing supporter and the only candidate in the running- appointed to the role.\n\n## What's happened in Hong Kong since then?\nOver the years, China has increasingly tightened its grip over Hong Kong.\n\nThe tipping point was 2019 when China proposed an extradition bill that could potentially allow HongKongers accused of of crimes to be tried in China.\n\nAnger over the potential bill erupted into some of the largest protests Hong Kong had ever seen. Police forces responded to demonstrators with water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas, exacerbating tensions between protesters and the government.\n\nAnd on 1 July, protesters forced their way into parliament, tearing portraits down, smashing furniture, with one even raising the old British colonial flag.\n\nIn response, China passed the highly controversial National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 - it criminalised any act of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.\n\nBeijing insists the law is necessary for bringing stability to the city, but critics argue its so loosely defined that it;s made it easier for Beijing to clamp down on protests and free speech.\n\nHundreds of protesters, activists and former opposition lawmakers have also been arrested since the introduction of the law.\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images Riot police pepper spray while clashing with a group of mediators during demonstrations against the draft bill.](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/3690\/production\/_125586931_gettyimages-1214941184.jpg.webp)Getty Images\n\nProtests against the national security law saw demonstrators being met with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets\n\nExpressions of political dissent have also been notably muted since.\n\nWhile 1 July has historically seen pro-democracy protests demanding universal suffrage and Hong Kong's autonomy, recent years have seen few public gatherings.\n\n## What will happen after 2047?\nAfter 2047, mainland China is no longer obliged to grant Hong Kong the autonomy agreed on with Britain before the 1997 handover, leaving the city's fate unclear.\n\nBut one senior Beijing official said the governing principle of \"one country, two systems\" would not necessarily change come 2047.\n\n\"There is no need to change after 50 years,\" Shen Chunyao said at a legal conference in the weeks leading up to the 25th anniversary of the handover.\n\nHowever, he suggested that \"timely improvements\" needed to be made, saying that otherwise \"its potential cannot be achieved in the long run\".\n\nBut others have taken a stronger stance.\n\n\"As an inalienable part of China, we cannot afford to be a country that undermines the security of China,\" said Regina Ip, one of Hong Kong's most well-known pro-Beijing lawmakers.\n\n\"If they don't think the current system is sustainable, the option will be to reintegrate Hong Kong, even before 2047.\"\n\n[What is Hong Kong's national security law?](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-52765838)\n\n[How is Hong Kong run?](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-49633862)\n\n[Hong Kong free media buckles under China pressure](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-57633767)\n\n[China](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world\/asia\/china)\n\n[2014 Hong Kong protests](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/topics\/ckqq9d4jq8qt)\n\n[Hong Kong](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/topics\/cp7r8vglne2t)\n\n[Hong Kong handover](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/topics\/cvvp7knl4krt)\n\n***\nRelated\n\n[Trio charged over alleged plot to smuggle Nvidia chips from US to China](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cy41ly2d9wko)\n\n[Labubu film is official with Paddington director at the helm](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c20j01gqx1eo)\n\n[The Iran war is causing a global energy crisis - can China withstand it?](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cyv9lzn0816o)\n\n***\nMore from the BBC\n\n[6 Mar 2026 ![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![Jimmy Lai wears a blue denim shirt and sits on an office chair in front of a framed piece of Chinese calligraphy](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/6d4f\/live\/95a73ae0-1932-11f1-b012-9bce942e53b0.jpg.webp) Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai will not appeal conviction Lai was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in jail last month on charges for sedition and collusion with foreign forces. 6 Mar 2026](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/ce3g5nn8v4wo)\n\n[5 Mar 2026 ![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![A man looks into the camera outside of a court, wearing a formal suit. A photographer can be seen behind him out of focus.](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/110b\/live\/6eeed990-18aa-11f1-b048-c9424b2cf5fd.jpg.webp) UK Border Force officer was 'working for China', court told Chi Leung \"Peter\" Wai is accused of engaging in \"shadow policing\" in the UK on behalf of China. 5 Mar 2026](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c80jj0749y9o)\n\n[4 Mar 2026 ![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![Chung Biu \"Bill\" Yuen and Chi Leung \"Peter\" Wai](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/0516\/live\/e8f286f0-17d4-11f1-9120-a910fc22c6ac.jpg.webp) Men on trial accused of 'shadow policing' for China on British soil The duo are alleged to have carried out surveillance on Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners. 4 Mar 2026](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cq5773dp9zno)\n\n[3 Mar 2026 ![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![Isabel Rose is seen wearing a black top and a small nose ring, sits facing the camera indoors.](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/32c5\/live\/2287e410-1711-11f1-bfbe-c7ba448da962.jpg.webp) Brit who reported rape in Hong Kong faces jail Isabel Rose from Hackney is convicted of blackmail after telling police she was raped in 2024. 3 Mar 2026](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c9q5p3gl8n1o)\n\n[26 Feb 2026 ![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![Anna Kwok looking ahead, wearing a black t-shirt. Her hair is tied into a bun. Behind her is a blue sky with clouds.](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/417e\/live\/1c91cc30-1304-11f1-bf20-f10c8e9eb926.jpg.webp) Hong Kong jailed my dad to stop me speaking out, says activist Pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok's father has been jailed for eight months for a national security offence. 26 Feb 2026](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cly897pv4j9o)\n***\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news)\n- [Sport](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport)\n- [Business](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/business)\n- [Technology](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/technology)\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/health)\n- [Culture](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/culture)\n- [Arts](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/arts)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel)\n- [Earth](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future-planet)\n- [Audio](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/audio)\n- [Video](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/video)\n- [Live](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/live)\n- [Weather](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/weather)\n- [BBC Shop](https:\/\/shop.bbc.com\/)\n- [BritBox](https:\/\/www.britbox.com\/?utm_source=bbc.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=footer)\n\nBBC in other languages\n\n### The BBC is in multiple languages\n#### Read the BBC In your own language\n[Oduu Afaan Oromootiin](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/afaanoromoo)\n\n[Amharic ዜና በአማርኛ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/amharic)\n\n[Arabic عربي](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/arabic)\n\n[Azeri AZƏRBAYCAN](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/azeri)\n\n[Bangla বাংলা](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/bengali)\n\n[Burmese မြန်မာ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/burmese)\n\n[Chinese 中文网](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/zhongwen\/simp)\n\n[Dari دری](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/dari)\n\n[French AFRIQUE](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/afrique)\n\n[Hausa HAUSA](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/hausa)\n\n[Hindi हिन्दी](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/hindi)\n\n[Gaelic NAIDHEACHDAN](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/naidheachdan)\n\n[Gujarati ગુજરાતીમાં સમાચાર](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/gujarati)\n\n[Igbo AKỤKỌ N’IGBO](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/igbo)\n\n[Indonesian INDONESIA](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/indonesia)\n\n[Japanese 日本語](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/japanese)\n\n[Kinyarwanda GAHUZA](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/gahuza)\n\n[Kirundi KIRUNDI](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/gahuza)\n\n[Korean 한국어](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/korean)\n\n[Kyrgyz Кыргыз](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/kyrgyz)\n\n[Marathi मराठी](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/marathi)\n\n[Nepali नेपाली](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/nepali)\n\n[Noticias para hispanoparlantes](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/mundo)\n\n[Pashto پښتو](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pashto)\n\n[Persian فارسی](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/persian)\n\n[Pidgin](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pidgin)\n\n[Polish PO POLSKU](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/polska)\n\n[Portuguese BRASIL](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/portuguese)\n\n[Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਖ਼ਬਰਾਂ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/punjabi)\n\n[Russian НА РУССКОМ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/russian)\n\n[Serbian NA SRPSKOM](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/serbian\/lat)\n\n[Sinhala සිංහල](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sinhala)\n\n[Somali SOMALI](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/somali)\n\n[Swahili HABARI KWA KISWAHILI](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/swahili)\n\n[Tamil தமிழில் செய்திகள்](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/tamil)\n\n[Telugu తెలుగు వార్తలు](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/telugu)\n\n[Thai ข่าวภาษาไทย](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/thai)\n\n[Tigrinya ዜና ብትግርኛ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/tigrinya)\n\n[Turkish TÜRKÇE](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/turkce)\n\n[Ukrainian УКРАЇНСЬКA](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/ukrainian)\n\n[Urdu اردو](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/urdu)\n\n[Uzbek O'ZBEK](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/uzbek)\n\n[Vietnamese TIẾNG VIỆT](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/vietnamese)\n\n[Welsh NEWYDDION](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/cymrufyw)\n\n[Yoruba ÌRÒYÌN NÍ YORÙBÁ](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/yoruba)\n\nFollow BBC on:\n\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pages\/terms-of-use)\n- [Subscription Terms](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pages\/subscription-terms)\n- [About the BBC](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/aboutthebbc)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pages\/privacy-policy)\n- [Cookies](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/usingthebbc\/cookies\/)\n- [Accessibility Help](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/accessibility\/)\n- [Contact the BBC](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/contact)\n- [Advertise with us](https:\/\/advertising.bbcstudios.com\/)\n- [Do not share or sell my info](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/usingthebbc\/cookies\/how-can-i-change-my-bbc-cookie-settings\/)\n- [BBC.com Help & FAQs](https:\/\/help.bbc.com\/hc\/)\n- [Content Index](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/pages\/content-index)\n- [Set Preferred Source](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future\/article\/20260128-how-to-make-google-put-trusted-sources-up-top-when-you-search)\n\nCopyright 2026 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. [**Read about our approach to external linking.**](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/editorialguidelines\/guidance\/feeds-and-links)","attrs_readable_markdown":"1 July 2022\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images A man walks past banners at a ferry pier with a slogan celebrating the upcoming 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from Britain to China, in Hong Kong on June 16, 2022.](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/16B28\/production\/_125586929_gettyimages-1241339647.jpg.webp)Getty Images\n\nHong Kong will commemorate the 25th anniversary of its handover from Britain to China on 1 July\n\n**Every year, on 1 July, Hong Kong marks the day where it was returned from British to Chinese control.**\n\nThis year, the city will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the British handover - at a time when it's coming under increased Chinese control.\n\nBut what is Hong Kong's connection to Britain, when was it returned to China, and most importantly, what does its future look like?\n\nHere's what you need to know:\n\nWhat led to the handover?\n\nBritain first took over Hong Kong island in 1842, after defeating China in the First Opium War. After the Second Opium War, Beijing was forced to also cede Kowloon in 1860, the area on the mainland opposite the island.\n\nIn 1898, to enforce its control of the area, the UK leased additional land, known as the New Territories, promising to return them to China in 99 years.\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![AFP Chris Patten receives the Union Jack flag](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/367F\/production\/_96715931_58db8006-1e37-4c64-86e9-1f09b4112fc2.jpg.webp)AFP\n\nBritain's last governor of Hong Kong receives the Union Jack flag after it is lowered for the last time\n\nHong Kong developed rapidly under UK rule, becoming one of the world's major financial and business centres.\n\nThen in 1982, London and Beijing began the difficult process of negotiating the territory's return to Chinese rule.\n\nHong Kong had developed a vastly different political and economic system from mainland China, which since 1949 had been under authoritarian one-party Communist rule.\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![line](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/F697\/production\/_125572136_2649d4cc-b027-4e6b-ae14-355b0bc33a18.jpg.webp)\n\nRead more about Hong Kong since the handover:\n\n- [What will the next 25 years hold for Hong Kong?](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-61948005)\n- [Five moments in fraught Hong Kong-China relations](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-61809659)\n- [Hong Kong's year under China's controversial law](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-57649442)\n- [What Hong Kong can expect from 'Beijing's enforcer'](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-61267496)\n- [Hong Kong free media buckles under China pressure](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-asia-china-57633767)\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![line](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/1357B\/production\/_125572297_67c53967-ed8d-404b-9341-aea453f8365d.jpg.webp)\n\nWhat was agreed for the future of Hong Kong?\n\nChina agreed to govern Hong Kong under the principle of \"one country, two systems\", where the city would enjoy \"a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs\" for the next 50 years.\n\nHong Kong became a Special Administrative Region, and would retain certain freedoms, including:\n\n- an independent judiciary\n- multiple political parties\n- freedom of assembly and speech\n\nThe territory has its own mini-constitution - the Basic Law - that enshrines these rights.\n\nIt states that \"the ultimate aim\" is to elect the territory's leader, the chief executive, \"by universal suffrage\" and \"in accordance with democratic procedures\".\n\nHow is Hong Kong ruled now?\n\nThe leader is the chief executive, elected by a 1,500-member election committee.\n\nThe parliament is the Legislative Council (LegCo). It is made up half of directly elected representatives and half by representatives chosen by professional or special interest groups.\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images John Lee, chief secretary for administration of Hong Kong government and chairman of the Candidate Eligibility Review](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/84B0\/production\/_125586933_gettyimages-1354817370.jpg.webp)Getty Images\n\nJohn Lee, a staunchly pro-Beijing supporter, was selected as Hong Kong's new chief executive in 2022\n\nIn 2021, in a sign of China's increasing influence, Beijing passed a resolution that fundamentally altered LegCo.\n\nUnder the new \"patriots\" law, all LegCo candidates must be vetted by a separate screening committee - making it easier to bar anyone deemed as being critical of Beijing.\n\nIt also drastically shrank the proportion of lawmakers who can be directly voted in by the people - from 50% to 22%.\n\nAs of 2022, nearly all of the LegCo members are pro-Beijing.\n\nThe city's chief executive elections also saw John Lee - a staunch Beijing supporter and the only candidate in the running- appointed to the role.\n\nWhat's happened in Hong Kong since then?\n\nOver the years, China has increasingly tightened its grip over Hong Kong.\n\nThe tipping point was 2019 when China proposed an extradition bill that could potentially allow HongKongers accused of of crimes to be tried in China.\n\nAnger over the potential bill erupted into some of the largest protests Hong Kong had ever seen. Police forces responded to demonstrators with water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas, exacerbating tensions between protesters and the government.\n\nAnd on 1 July, protesters forced their way into parliament, tearing portraits down, smashing furniture, with one even raising the old British colonial flag.\n\nIn response, China passed the highly controversial National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 - it criminalised any act of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.\n\nBeijing insists the law is necessary for bringing stability to the city, but critics argue its so loosely defined that it;s made it easier for Beijing to clamp down on protests and free speech.\n\nHundreds of protesters, activists and former opposition lawmakers have also been arrested since the introduction of the law.\n\n![](https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2\/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images Riot police pepper spray while clashing with a group of mediators during demonstrations against the draft bill.](https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/3690\/production\/_125586931_gettyimages-1214941184.jpg.webp)Getty Images\n\nProtests against the national security law saw demonstrators being met with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets\n\nExpressions of political dissent have also been notably muted since.\n\nWhile 1 July has historically seen pro-democracy protests demanding universal suffrage and Hong Kong's autonomy, recent years have seen few public gatherings.\n\nWhat will happen after 2047?\n\nAfter 2047, mainland China is no longer obliged to grant Hong Kong the autonomy agreed on with Britain before the 1997 handover, leaving the city's fate unclear.\n\nBut one senior Beijing official said the governing principle of \"one country, two systems\" would not necessarily change come 2047.\n\n\"There is no need to change after 50 years,\" Shen Chunyao said at a legal conference in the weeks leading up to the 25th anniversary of the handover.\n\nHowever, he suggested that \"timely improvements\" needed to be made, saying that otherwise \"its potential cannot be achieved in the long run\".\n\nBut others have taken a stronger stance.\n\n\"As an inalienable part of China, we cannot afford to be a country that undermines the security of China,\" said Regina Ip, one of Hong Kong's most well-known pro-Beijing lawmakers.\n\n\"If they don't think the current system is sustainable, the option will be to reintegrate Hong Kong, even before 2047.\"","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-40426827
Last Crawled	2026-03-20 15:59:53 (24 days ago)
First Indexed	2018-06-24 05:34:46 (7 years ago)
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Meta Title	Hong Kong's handover: How the UK returned it to China
Meta Description	Why was Hong Kong British, how was it returned to China and what does the future of the city look like?
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Boilerpipe Text	1 July 2022 Getty Images Hong Kong will commemorate the 25th anniversary of its handover from Britain to China on 1 July Every year, on 1 July, Hong Kong marks the day where it was returned from British to Chinese control. This year, the city will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the British handover - at a time when it's coming under increased Chinese control. But what is Hong Kong's connection to Britain, when was it returned to China, and most importantly, what does its future look like? Here's what you need to know: What led to the handover? Britain first took over Hong Kong island in 1842, after defeating China in the First Opium War. After the Second Opium War, Beijing was forced to also cede Kowloon in 1860, the area on the mainland opposite the island. In 1898, to enforce its control of the area, the UK leased additional land, known as the New Territories, promising to return them to China in 99 years. AFP Britain's last governor of Hong Kong receives the Union Jack flag after it is lowered for the last time Hong Kong developed rapidly under UK rule, becoming one of the world's major financial and business centres. Then in 1982, London and Beijing began the difficult process of negotiating the territory's return to Chinese rule. Hong Kong had developed a vastly different political and economic system from mainland China, which since 1949 had been under authoritarian one-party Communist rule. Read more about Hong Kong since the handover: What will the next 25 years hold for Hong Kong? Five moments in fraught Hong Kong-China relations Hong Kong's year under China's controversial law What Hong Kong can expect from 'Beijing's enforcer' Hong Kong free media buckles under China pressure What was agreed for the future of Hong Kong? China agreed to govern Hong Kong under the principle of "one country, two systems", where the city would enjoy "a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs" for the next 50 years. Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region, and would retain certain freedoms, including: an independent judiciary multiple political parties freedom of assembly and speech The territory has its own mini-constitution - the Basic Law - that enshrines these rights. It states that "the ultimate aim" is to elect the territory's leader, the chief executive, "by universal suffrage" and "in accordance with democratic procedures". How is Hong Kong ruled now? The leader is the chief executive, elected by a 1,500-member election committee. The parliament is the Legislative Council (LegCo). It is made up half of directly elected representatives and half by representatives chosen by professional or special interest groups. Getty Images John Lee, a staunchly pro-Beijing supporter, was selected as Hong Kong's new chief executive in 2022 In 2021, in a sign of China's increasing influence, Beijing passed a resolution that fundamentally altered LegCo. Under the new "patriots" law, all LegCo candidates must be vetted by a separate screening committee - making it easier to bar anyone deemed as being critical of Beijing. It also drastically shrank the proportion of lawmakers who can be directly voted in by the people - from 50% to 22%. As of 2022, nearly all of the LegCo members are pro-Beijing. The city's chief executive elections also saw John Lee - a staunch Beijing supporter and the only candidate in the running- appointed to the role. What's happened in Hong Kong since then? Over the years, China has increasingly tightened its grip over Hong Kong. The tipping point was 2019 when China proposed an extradition bill that could potentially allow HongKongers accused of of crimes to be tried in China. Anger over the potential bill erupted into some of the largest protests Hong Kong had ever seen. Police forces responded to demonstrators with water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas, exacerbating tensions between protesters and the government. And on 1 July, protesters forced their way into parliament, tearing portraits down, smashing furniture, with one even raising the old British colonial flag. In response, China passed the highly controversial National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 - it criminalised any act of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. Beijing insists the law is necessary for bringing stability to the city, but critics argue its so loosely defined that it;s made it easier for Beijing to clamp down on protests and free speech. Hundreds of protesters, activists and former opposition lawmakers have also been arrested since the introduction of the law. Getty Images Protests against the national security law saw demonstrators being met with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets Expressions of political dissent have also been notably muted since. While 1 July has historically seen pro-democracy protests demanding universal suffrage and Hong Kong's autonomy, recent years have seen few public gatherings. What will happen after 2047? After 2047, mainland China is no longer obliged to grant Hong Kong the autonomy agreed on with Britain before the 1997 handover, leaving the city's fate unclear. But one senior Beijing official said the governing principle of "one country, two systems" would not necessarily change come 2047. "There is no need to change after 50 years," Shen Chunyao said at a legal conference in the weeks leading up to the 25th anniversary of the handover. However, he suggested that "timely improvements" needed to be made, saying that otherwise "its potential cannot be achieved in the long run". But others have taken a stronger stance. "As an inalienable part of China, we cannot afford to be a country that undermines the security of China," said Regina Ip, one of Hong Kong's most well-known pro-Beijing lawmakers. "If they don't think the current system is sustainable, the option will be to reintegrate Hong Kong, even before 2047."
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This year, the city will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the British handover - at a time when it's coming under increased Chinese control. But what is Hong Kong's connection to Britain, when was it returned to China, and most importantly, what does its future look like? Here's what you need to know: ## What led to the handover? Britain first took over Hong Kong island in 1842, after defeating China in the First Opium War. After the Second Opium War, Beijing was forced to also cede Kowloon in 1860, the area on the mainland opposite the island. In 1898, to enforce its control of the area, the UK leased additional land, known as the New Territories, promising to return them to China in 99 years. ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![AFP Chris Patten receives the Union Jack flag](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/367F/production/_96715931_58db8006-1e37-4c64-86e9-1f09b4112fc2.jpg.webp)AFP Britain's last governor of Hong Kong receives the Union Jack flag after it is lowered for the last time Hong Kong developed rapidly under UK rule, becoming one of the world's major financial and business centres. Then in 1982, London and Beijing began the difficult process of negotiating the territory's return to Chinese rule. Hong Kong had developed a vastly different political and economic system from mainland China, which since 1949 had been under authoritarian one-party Communist rule. ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![line](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/F697/production/_125572136_2649d4cc-b027-4e6b-ae14-355b0bc33a18.jpg.webp) ## Read more about Hong Kong since the handover: - [What will the next 25 years hold for Hong Kong?](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-61948005) - [Five moments in fraught Hong Kong-China relations](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-61809659) - [Hong Kong's year under China's controversial law](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-57649442) - [What Hong Kong can expect from 'Beijing's enforcer'](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-61267496) - [Hong Kong free media buckles under China pressure](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-57633767) ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![line](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/1357B/production/_125572297_67c53967-ed8d-404b-9341-aea453f8365d.jpg.webp) ## What was agreed for the future of Hong Kong? China agreed to govern Hong Kong under the principle of "one country, two systems", where the city would enjoy "a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs" for the next 50 years. Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region, and would retain certain freedoms, including: - an independent judiciary - multiple political parties - freedom of assembly and speech The territory has its own mini-constitution - the Basic Law - that enshrines these rights. It states that "the ultimate aim" is to elect the territory's leader, the chief executive, "by universal suffrage" and "in accordance with democratic procedures". ## How is Hong Kong ruled now? The leader is the chief executive, elected by a 1,500-member election committee. The parliament is the Legislative Council (LegCo). It is made up half of directly elected representatives and half by representatives chosen by professional or special interest groups. ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images John Lee, chief secretary for administration of Hong Kong government and chairman of the Candidate Eligibility Review](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/84B0/production/_125586933_gettyimages-1354817370.jpg.webp)Getty Images John Lee, a staunchly pro-Beijing supporter, was selected as Hong Kong's new chief executive in 2022 In 2021, in a sign of China's increasing influence, Beijing passed a resolution that fundamentally altered LegCo. Under the new "patriots" law, all LegCo candidates must be vetted by a separate screening committee - making it easier to bar anyone deemed as being critical of Beijing. It also drastically shrank the proportion of lawmakers who can be directly voted in by the people - from 50% to 22%. As of 2022, nearly all of the LegCo members are pro-Beijing. The city's chief executive elections also saw John Lee - a staunch Beijing supporter and the only candidate in the running- appointed to the role. ## What's happened in Hong Kong since then? Over the years, China has increasingly tightened its grip over Hong Kong. The tipping point was 2019 when China proposed an extradition bill that could potentially allow HongKongers accused of of crimes to be tried in China. Anger over the potential bill erupted into some of the largest protests Hong Kong had ever seen. Police forces responded to demonstrators with water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas, exacerbating tensions between protesters and the government. And on 1 July, protesters forced their way into parliament, tearing portraits down, smashing furniture, with one even raising the old British colonial flag. In response, China passed the highly controversial National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 - it criminalised any act of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. Beijing insists the law is necessary for bringing stability to the city, but critics argue its so loosely defined that it;s made it easier for Beijing to clamp down on protests and free speech. Hundreds of protesters, activists and former opposition lawmakers have also been arrested since the introduction of the law. ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images Riot police pepper spray while clashing with a group of mediators during demonstrations against the draft bill.](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/3690/production/_125586931_gettyimages-1214941184.jpg.webp)Getty Images Protests against the national security law saw demonstrators being met with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets Expressions of political dissent have also been notably muted since. While 1 July has historically seen pro-democracy protests demanding universal suffrage and Hong Kong's autonomy, recent years have seen few public gatherings. ## What will happen after 2047? After 2047, mainland China is no longer obliged to grant Hong Kong the autonomy agreed on with Britain before the 1997 handover, leaving the city's fate unclear. But one senior Beijing official said the governing principle of "one country, two systems" would not necessarily change come 2047. "There is no need to change after 50 years," Shen Chunyao said at a legal conference in the weeks leading up to the 25th anniversary of the handover. However, he suggested that "timely improvements" needed to be made, saying that otherwise "its potential cannot be achieved in the long run". But others have taken a stronger stance. "As an inalienable part of China, we cannot afford to be a country that undermines the security of China," said Regina Ip, one of Hong Kong's most well-known pro-Beijing lawmakers. "If they don't think the current system is sustainable, the option will be to reintegrate Hong Kong, even before 2047." 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Her hair is tied into a bun. Behind her is a blue sky with clouds.](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/417e/live/1c91cc30-1304-11f1-bf20-f10c8e9eb926.jpg.webp) Hong Kong jailed my dad to stop me speaking out, says activist Pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok's father has been jailed for eight months for a national security offence. 26 Feb 2026](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly897pv4j9o) * - [Home](https://www.bbc.com/) - [News](https://www.bbc.com/news) - [Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport) - [Business](https://www.bbc.com/business) - [Technology](https://www.bbc.com/technology) - [Health](https://www.bbc.com/health) - [Culture](https://www.bbc.com/culture) - [Arts](https://www.bbc.com/arts) - [Travel](https://www.bbc.com/travel) - [Earth](https://www.bbc.com/future-planet) - [Audio](https://www.bbc.com/audio) - [Video](https://www.bbc.com/video) - [Live](https://www.bbc.com/live) - [Weather](https://www.bbc.com/weather) - [BBC Shop](https://shop.bbc.com/) - [BritBox](https://www.britbox.com/?utm_source=bbc.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=footer) BBC in other languages ### The BBC is in multiple languages #### Read the BBC In your own language [Oduu Afaan Oromootiin](https://www.bbc.com/afaanoromoo) [Amharic ዜና በአማርኛ](https://www.bbc.com/amharic) [Arabic عربي](https://www.bbc.com/arabic) [Azeri AZƏRBAYCAN](https://www.bbc.com/azeri) [Bangla বাংলা](https://www.bbc.com/bengali) [Burmese မြန်မာ](https://www.bbc.com/burmese) [Chinese 中文网](https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp) [Dari دری](https://www.bbc.com/dari) [French AFRIQUE](https://www.bbc.com/afrique) [Hausa HAUSA](https://www.bbc.com/hausa) [Hindi हिन्दी](https://www.bbc.com/hindi) [Gaelic NAIDHEACHDAN](https://www.bbc.com/naidheachdan) [Gujarati ગુજરાતીમાં સમાચાર](https://www.bbc.com/gujarati) [Igbo AKỤKỌ N’IGBO](https://www.bbc.com/igbo) [Indonesian INDONESIA](https://www.bbc.com/indonesia) [Japanese 日本語](https://www.bbc.com/japanese) [Kinyarwanda GAHUZA](https://www.bbc.com/gahuza) [Kirundi KIRUNDI](https://www.bbc.com/gahuza) [Korean 한국어](https://www.bbc.com/korean) [Kyrgyz Кыргыз](https://www.bbc.com/kyrgyz) [Marathi मराठी](https://www.bbc.com/marathi) [Nepali नेपाली](https://www.bbc.com/nepali) [Noticias para hispanoparlantes](https://www.bbc.com/mundo) [Pashto پښتو](https://www.bbc.com/pashto) [Persian فارسی](https://www.bbc.com/persian) [Pidgin](https://www.bbc.com/pidgin) [Polish PO POLSKU](https://www.bbc.com/polska) [Portuguese BRASIL](https://www.bbc.com/portuguese) [Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਖ਼ਬਰਾਂ](https://www.bbc.com/punjabi) [Russian НА РУССКОМ](https://www.bbc.com/russian) [Serbian NA SRPSKOM](https://www.bbc.com/serbian/lat) [Sinhala සිංහල](https://www.bbc.com/sinhala) [Somali SOMALI](https://www.bbc.com/somali) [Swahili HABARI KWA KISWAHILI](https://www.bbc.com/swahili) [Tamil தமிழில் செய்திகள்](https://www.bbc.com/tamil) [Telugu తెలుగు వార్తలు](https://www.bbc.com/telugu) [Thai ข่าวภาษาไทย](https://www.bbc.com/thai) [Tigrinya ዜና ብትግርኛ](https://www.bbc.com/tigrinya) [Turkish TÜRKÇE](https://www.bbc.com/turkce) [Ukrainian УКРАЇНСЬКA](https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian) [Urdu اردو](https://www.bbc.com/urdu) [Uzbek O'ZBEK](https://www.bbc.com/uzbek) [Vietnamese TIẾNG VIỆT](https://www.bbc.com/vietnamese) [Welsh NEWYDDION](https://www.bbc.com/cymrufyw) [Yoruba ÌRÒYÌN NÍ YORÙBÁ](https://www.bbc.com/yoruba) Follow BBC on: - [Terms of Use](https://www.bbc.com/pages/terms-of-use) - [Subscription Terms](https://www.bbc.com/pages/subscription-terms) - [About the BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.bbc.com/pages/privacy-policy) - [Cookies](https://www.bbc.com/usingthebbc/cookies/) - [Accessibility Help](https://www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility/) - [Contact the BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/contact) - [Advertise with us](https://advertising.bbcstudios.com/) - [Do not share or sell my info](https://www.bbc.com/usingthebbc/cookies/how-can-i-change-my-bbc-cookie-settings/) - [BBC.com Help & FAQs](https://help.bbc.com/hc/) - [Content Index](https://www.bbc.com/pages/content-index) - [Set Preferred Source](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260128-how-to-make-google-put-trusted-sources-up-top-when-you-search) Copyright 2026 BBC. 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Readable Markdown	1 July 2022 ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images A man walks past banners at a ferry pier with a slogan celebrating the upcoming 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from Britain to China, in Hong Kong on June 16, 2022.](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/16B28/production/_125586929_gettyimages-1241339647.jpg.webp)Getty Images Hong Kong will commemorate the 25th anniversary of its handover from Britain to China on 1 July Every year, on 1 July, Hong Kong marks the day where it was returned from British to Chinese control. This year, the city will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the British handover - at a time when it's coming under increased Chinese control. But what is Hong Kong's connection to Britain, when was it returned to China, and most importantly, what does its future look like? Here's what you need to know: What led to the handover? Britain first took over Hong Kong island in 1842, after defeating China in the First Opium War. After the Second Opium War, Beijing was forced to also cede Kowloon in 1860, the area on the mainland opposite the island. In 1898, to enforce its control of the area, the UK leased additional land, known as the New Territories, promising to return them to China in 99 years. ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![AFP Chris Patten receives the Union Jack flag](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/367F/production/_96715931_58db8006-1e37-4c64-86e9-1f09b4112fc2.jpg.webp)AFP Britain's last governor of Hong Kong receives the Union Jack flag after it is lowered for the last time Hong Kong developed rapidly under UK rule, becoming one of the world's major financial and business centres. Then in 1982, London and Beijing began the difficult process of negotiating the territory's return to Chinese rule. Hong Kong had developed a vastly different political and economic system from mainland China, which since 1949 had been under authoritarian one-party Communist rule. ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![line](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/F697/production/_125572136_2649d4cc-b027-4e6b-ae14-355b0bc33a18.jpg.webp) Read more about Hong Kong since the handover: - [What will the next 25 years hold for Hong Kong?](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-61948005) - [Five moments in fraught Hong Kong-China relations](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-61809659) - [Hong Kong's year under China's controversial law](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-57649442) - [What Hong Kong can expect from 'Beijing's enforcer'](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-61267496) - [Hong Kong free media buckles under China pressure](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-57633767) ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![line](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/1357B/production/_125572297_67c53967-ed8d-404b-9341-aea453f8365d.jpg.webp) What was agreed for the future of Hong Kong? China agreed to govern Hong Kong under the principle of "one country, two systems", where the city would enjoy "a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs" for the next 50 years. Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region, and would retain certain freedoms, including: - an independent judiciary - multiple political parties - freedom of assembly and speech The territory has its own mini-constitution - the Basic Law - that enshrines these rights. It states that "the ultimate aim" is to elect the territory's leader, the chief executive, "by universal suffrage" and "in accordance with democratic procedures". How is Hong Kong ruled now? The leader is the chief executive, elected by a 1,500-member election committee. The parliament is the Legislative Council (LegCo). It is made up half of directly elected representatives and half by representatives chosen by professional or special interest groups. ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images John Lee, chief secretary for administration of Hong Kong government and chairman of the Candidate Eligibility Review](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/84B0/production/_125586933_gettyimages-1354817370.jpg.webp)Getty Images John Lee, a staunchly pro-Beijing supporter, was selected as Hong Kong's new chief executive in 2022 In 2021, in a sign of China's increasing influence, Beijing passed a resolution that fundamentally altered LegCo. Under the new "patriots" law, all LegCo candidates must be vetted by a separate screening committee - making it easier to bar anyone deemed as being critical of Beijing. It also drastically shrank the proportion of lawmakers who can be directly voted in by the people - from 50% to 22%. As of 2022, nearly all of the LegCo members are pro-Beijing. The city's chief executive elections also saw John Lee - a staunch Beijing supporter and the only candidate in the running- appointed to the role. What's happened in Hong Kong since then? Over the years, China has increasingly tightened its grip over Hong Kong. The tipping point was 2019 when China proposed an extradition bill that could potentially allow HongKongers accused of of crimes to be tried in China. Anger over the potential bill erupted into some of the largest protests Hong Kong had ever seen. Police forces responded to demonstrators with water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas, exacerbating tensions between protesters and the government. And on 1 July, protesters forced their way into parliament, tearing portraits down, smashing furniture, with one even raising the old British colonial flag. In response, China passed the highly controversial National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 - it criminalised any act of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. Beijing insists the law is necessary for bringing stability to the city, but critics argue its so loosely defined that it;s made it easier for Beijing to clamp down on protests and free speech. Hundreds of protesters, activists and former opposition lawmakers have also been arrested since the introduction of the law. ![](https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/20260309-121341-5f81352518-web-2.41.1-2/grey-placeholder.png)![Getty Images Riot police pepper spray while clashing with a group of mediators during demonstrations against the draft bill.](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/3690/production/_125586931_gettyimages-1214941184.jpg.webp)Getty Images Protests against the national security law saw demonstrators being met with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets Expressions of political dissent have also been notably muted since. While 1 July has historically seen pro-democracy protests demanding universal suffrage and Hong Kong's autonomy, recent years have seen few public gatherings. What will happen after 2047? After 2047, mainland China is no longer obliged to grant Hong Kong the autonomy agreed on with Britain before the 1997 handover, leaving the city's fate unclear. But one senior Beijing official said the governing principle of "one country, two systems" would not necessarily change come 2047. "There is no need to change after 50 years," Shen Chunyao said at a legal conference in the weeks leading up to the 25th anniversary of the handover. However, he suggested that "timely improvements" needed to be made, saying that otherwise "its potential cannot be achieved in the long run". But others have taken a stronger stance. "As an inalienable part of China, we cannot afford to be a country that undermines the security of China," said Regina Ip, one of Hong Kong's most well-known pro-Beijing lawmakers. "If they don't think the current system is sustainable, the option will be to reintegrate Hong Kong, even before 2047."
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