1. Hong Kong

3. A highly developed territory One of the highest per capita incomes Very densely populated (7.4 m people)

4. 1842 – 1997: British colony
In 1842 and in 1860, the British empire obtained some regions of Hong Kong
In 1898, Britain obtained a 99-year lease of the New Territories

5. 1997: Transfer / Handover to China
« one country, two systems »: separate government, separate economic system
It has the status of a special administrative region of China: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
Some traditions were kept from the British colony (ex.: the judicial system)
Head of the executive branch: The Chief Executive (incumbent: Carrie Lam)

6. 2019 Hong Kong protests

7. In February 2019, an extradition bill was proposed by the HK government
People saw this bill as a way to undermine the autonomy of the region. They feared being under the jurisdiction of China.
Demonstrations with hundreds of thousands of protesters took place, but the government refused to step down
= escalating violence, police violence, spread to other demands (more democratic reforms)
The bill was finally withdrawn in October

8. Oct 1 protest
During the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China
One protester shot
Oct 4: Anti-mask law