ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HKSAR
Government and 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. This was followed by a spectacular cultural programme including the world premiere of Symphony 1997: Heaven, Earth, Mankind.
At 4 pm on July 1, the HKCEC Extension was again filled with VIPs, international and local guests for the SARG Cocktail Reception, which was attended by about 5 000 people.
Apart from the official ceremonies, celebration events were held by many local organisations and district communities throughout the territory. These included a fireworks display, TV variety shows, lighting up of the harbour, cultural performances, receptions, and banquets, to celebrate the historic occasion.
Ceremonies were also held on June 30 to mark the end of 156 years of British administration. A brief ceremony to mark the departure of the last Governor, Mr Christopher Patten, was held at Government House at 4.30 pm.
The Farewell Ceremony was held in a purpose-built arena at the Tamar site and included speeches by Prince Charles and Mr Patten. The British and Hong Kong flags were lowered at sunset.
The State Banquet hosted by Britain's Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr Robin Cook, was held in the evening. It was attended by 4 000 dignitaries, VIPs and guests. Toasts were proposed to the future of Hong Kong by Mr Cook, and, in response, by Mr Qian.
At 9 pm on June 30, an advance element of 509 soldiers led by Major-General Xiong Ziren entered Hong Kong. The Chinese and the British Forces held a ceremony to hand over defence responsibilities at the Prince of Wales barracks. At zero hour on July 1, all barracks held flag-raising ceremonies to signify the official transfer of defence responsibilities to the Hong Kong Garrison. On July 1, at 6 am, the garrison's main body, comprising army, navy and air force units, moved into the 14 barracks in Hong Kong.
'One Country Two Systems'
The ingenious and novel concept of 'one country two systems', which was first put forward by Mr Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s, laid the solid foundation for the eventual reunification of the country. Upholding national unity and territorial integrity, maintaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and taking account of its history and realities, it was decided that upon China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region would be established in accordance with the provisions of Article 31 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, and that under the principle of 'one country, two systems', the socialist system and policies would not be practised in Hong Kong. The policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong have been enshrined in the Basic Law, which further elaborated the basic policies set out by the Chinese Government in the Annex to the Sino-British Joint Declaration (JD).
Joint Declaration
The Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong was signed in Beijing on December 19, 1984. On May 27, 1985, instruments of ratification were
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