Today in Asian History - Britain Hands Over Hong Kong to China

On June 30, 1997, the government of Great Britain turned over control of the city of Hong Kong, as well as neighboring territories, to the People's Republic of China.

Britain had ruled the island colony for 156 years, after seizing it in 1841 during the Second Opium War. The UK later signed a 99-year lease agreement with Qing China in 1898; in return for the promise of one day regaining control, China allowed the British to lease the Kowloon section of the mainland and some other islands along with Hong Kong.

In 1997, Britain honored the lease provisions, despite the radical changes in Chinese government during the interim. Fortunately, Hong Kong residents continue to enjoy more civil liberties than their mainland counterparts.

Photo by Tom Bonaventure via Getty Images.