I have not posted in some time, and am currently remembering all html markups
The UK owned Hong Kong, but purchased a lease on the "New Territories". When the lease came up the UK declined to renew and as they would have been pushed back to the Hong Kong Island(s) declined to continue to hold on to Hong Kong as well. When releasing Hong Kong to PRC, they signed an agreement with the PRC that they would respect the "One China, Two Systems" approach signed into the agreement for 50 years and also provide the Hong Kong people "Self Determination" or general Democratic rights.
“When the lease came up the UK declined to renew”
In 1984 UK broached the subject with PRC to renew the NT lease. UK thought it was being polite and there would be no problem.
Deng said no and said the lease and treaties were all illegal in the first place and UK must give all three illegally held territories to PRC.
UK acquiesced.