The Changeover, 1 July 1997

The People’s Republic of China resumed sovereignty over the territory of Hong Kong on 1 July 1997. In accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, Hong Kong has maintained its autonomy, capitalist system and way of life.

The Changeover marked the end of Hong Kong’s association with the United Kingdom, and the beginning of a new era under its new status as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. Under the Basic Law (the SAR constitution promulgated by Beijing), Hong Kong people will run Hong Kong. Almost all aspects of Hong Kong remain unchanged.