COMMENTARY / World

Hong Kong in 2047: What to expect over the next 25 years

Beijing is expected to promote the city’s economic fortunes, but greater democracy is not in the cards

Nearly a quarter century after Britain returned Hong Kong to China, Beijing's promise to ensure 50 years of autonomy and self-rule for the city has all but vanished. | BLOOMBERG

By Frank Ching
Contributing Writer

Apr 6, 2022

Twenty-five years ago, at midnight on June 30, 1997, Britain handed over Hong Kong, its colony for 150 years, to China in return for a promise that the region would be given “a high degree of autonomy” and retain its lifestyle for the next 50 years under a “one country, two systems” formula. What lay beyond 2047 was not spelled out.

Now, China has made that future clear by moving the post-2047 scenario forward.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to celebrate 25 years of sovereignty in Hong Kong on July 1.

Hong Kong in 2047: What to expect over the next 25 years

Beijing is expected to promote the city’s economic fortunes, but greater democracy is not in the cards

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