China's Border with Hong Kong

Introduction

• Unique border between China and China
• Takes 2 hours to cross
• Border exists due to Hong Kong's autonomy until 2047
• China aims to integrate Hong Kong sooner

The Bridge

• World's largest sea crossing bridge
• 55 km (34 miles) long
• Connects Hong Kong with Macau and mainland China
• Symbolizes Hong Kong as part of China

Historical Context

• June 4th - Tiananmen Square Massacre anniversary
• Pro-democracy protests crushed in 1989
• Annual vigil in Hong Kong banned in mainland China

Colonial Past

• Britain colonized Hong Kong after 19th-century wars
• 99-year lease expiring in 1997
• Hong Kong developed differently than mainland China under communism

Handover Negotiations

• Britain and China negotiated in the 1980s
• Agreement for Hong Kong to remain autonomous for 50 years post-1997
• "One country, two systems" model

Post-Handover Developments

• Symbolic border remained
• Chinese army present in Hong Kong as a symbol of sovereignty
• Economic shifts reduced Hong Kong's importance to China

Increasing Influence

• China exerting more influence over Hong Kong
• National anthem and Mandarin language in evening news
• Chinese textbooks promoting China's government

Resistance and Protests

• 2014: Protests against China trying to control Hong Kong elections - Umbrella Movement
• Protests sparked greater political engagement in Hong Kong

Identity and Politics

• Shift in Hong Kong identity away from China
• Growing resistance to Chinese influence
• Bookstore disappearances in 2015

Current Struggle

• Democracy and identity fight continues in Hong Kong
• Increasing tensions with China's central government