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Chinese-British joint declaration

1984

Quick Summary

The Chinese-British Joint Declaration was signed in December 1984, outlining the terms for the handover of Hong Kong from British rule to Chinese sovereignty. This agreement stipulated that Hong Kong would become a special administrative region (HKSAR) of China, retaining a high degree of autonomy for 50 years, with its social and economic systems remaining unchanged. The declaration aimed to ensure a smooth transition after 156 years of British rule, culminating in the formal handover on July 1, 1997. However, concerns about China's commitment to the "one country, two systems" principle and the preservation of Hong Kong's freedoms have persisted.12

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