ENG-1997 — Page 32

CHAPTER 2

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HKSAR

4

The Handover and Related Ceremonies

JULY 1, 1997, marked the beginning of Hong Kong's new era as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the end of 156 years of British administration. The people of Hong Kong witnessed this historic moment with immense pride. This new chapter in history was marked by a solemn and dignified Handover Ceremony which began shortly before midnight on June 30.

The Handover Ceremony was held in the Grand Foyer of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) Extension and began at 11.30 pm. It included military guards of honour and military bands from China and Britain, plus speeches by President Jiang Zemin and the Prince of Wales. Just before midnight, the British and Hong Kong flags were lowered. At the stroke of midnight, the Chinese national and HKSAR regional flags were raised. The ceremony was witnessed by 4000 invited guests, including senior representatives from China and Britain, ministers from more than 40 countries and representatives from more than 40 international organisations. Leaders of government in Hong Kong, as well as a wide cross-section of leading local and overseas business and community leaders also attended. Some 6 500 local and overseas media representatives covered the event, which was beamed to a world-wide television audience in the hundreds of millions.

About 1.30 am on July 1, the Vice Premier and Foreign Minister, Mr Qian Qichen, officiated at the Inauguration Ceremony during which President Jiang formally declared the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China in front of more than 4 000 invited guests. The Chief Executive, Principal Officials, Members of the Executive Council and Provisional Legislative Council and the Judges of the Court of Final Appeal and the High Court were sworn in. Premier Li Peng delivered a speech, followed by a speech from the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa. Immediately after this ceremony, the Provisional Legislative Council held its first session in the HKSAR, at which the Reunification Ordinance was enacted.

At 10 am on July 1, the SARG Celebration Event was held at the HKCEC Extension with more than 4 600 invited guests. President Jiang delivered an important speech at this ceremony reaffirming that 'one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and 'a high degree of autonomy' would remain unchanged for 50 years. This was followed by the Chief Executive's Inauguration Speech. The assets of the Land Fund were handed over to the HKSAR Government and gifts were presented to the HKSAR by the Central People's