China's rocky relationship with Hong Kong: 10 key moments

To help understand how China's relationship with Hong Kong has changed through its evolution from British rule to special administrative region, here are 10 key moments:

China rejects Hong Kong reform package as transition looms – 1992

Marking the end of an era, Britain’s final governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten announced sweeping reforms to Hong Kong’s political system. These included the previously scheduled ballot election in 1995 to elect 20 members of the Legislative Council, as well as an expansion of voting rights for the process of electing the remaining Council members through indirect voting. 

Furious, China objected to all reforms, declaring them a violation of its Basic Law.

On Nov. 30, Chinese officials announced that any and all contracts, agreements and leases – including the construction of Chek Lap Kok airport – signed by the Hong Kong government but not officially approved by China’s leadership would be invalidated beginning July 1, 1997. Beijing followed up with a second directive in December warning that all election results and legislation would be subject to nullification.

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