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Mostly because it was militarily indefensible; partly also because the terms of the treaty obliged the UK to give it back. But mostly the area was simply too close to the mainland and too small to be militarily defensible against the Chinese taking it back by force.
Sure they could've fought China over it, but that'd likely be so destructive to Hong Kong as to be not in anyone's interest. The Hong Kongers largely preferred a peaceful transition (with the option to leave for Britain) to an unwinnable and destructive war.
Comment by Pure-Huckleberry8640 at 01/01/2024 at 01:06 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Thanks. Very concise informative answer