On this day in 1984 – December 19 – British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang signed an agreement that committed Britain to return Hong Kong to China in 1997.

hong kong handover
A painitng by Ma Baozhong, “19 December, 1984” showing the signing in 1984 of the Sino-British Joing Declaration is seen in Hong Kong, 26 June 2007. Sotheby’s will hold an auction of reunification art to mark the 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong handover. Photo: Mike Clarke/AFP.
YouTube video

Support HKFP  |  Code of Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact Us  |  Newsletter  |  Annual & Transparency Report

Founded in 2015, Hong Kong Free Press is an impartial, non-profit, award-winning English-language newspaper. Run by journalists, backed by readers and 100% independent, HKFP is governed by a public Code of Ethics. If there are uncertainties relating to safety or security, we may use an "HKFP Staff" byline. More on our Ethics & Policies.