History of Hong Kong

Hong Kong's history has somewhat controversial beginnings. China's importing and exporting has always been one of its strongest industries. In fact, its trades with Europe go back as far as four hundred years ago. In the 18th Century, the demand in Europe for Chinese teas and silks was ever increasing. As the balance of trade became less than favorable for the European's, they resolved to correct this imbalance by running opium into China. Clearly alarmed by this turn of events, China tried to throw the "foreign devils" out. In 1842, determined not to be denied the riches of trade with China, Britain sent in two gunboats which were met by a fleet of twenty-nine Chinese ships. Greatly outnumbered but far more experienced in battle, the British prevailed. This was the first of the Opium Wars and Britain had their first foothold of Chinese soil, claiming the island of Hong Kong as their own. Though trade with China was more volatile, Europe continued to run Opium into China. In 1860, this resulted in the second Opium War. Once again China was defeated and Britain took control of the Kowloon Peninsula. The final possession of the New Territories occurred in 1898 when China granted Britain a 99-year lease. It was clear to all involved that at the end of the lease for the New Territories, China would want to reclaim the Kowloon Peninsula as well as Hong Kong Island. In late 1984, Britain agreed to allow China to take over the entire colony under the condition that the "free enterprise" economy, unique to Hong Kong, be maintained for at least 50 years following the hand over. On July 1st 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China and is now a Special Administration Region (SAR) of China. Since 1997, China has kept its promise of free enterprise and has allowed Hong Kong to have the unique privilege of "one country, two systems"; enabling it to be business as usual in Hong Kong. The Western and European influences are still present in Hong Kong, with a large community of foreigners. Hong Kong is such a unique city, rich in trade and tourism. Many people travel to Hong Kong for business and are often surprised to find such a cosmopolitan city in the heart of Asia.