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 4 000 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 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.