In September 1984, senior officials from the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China concluded negotiations that led to the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. This document set forth the terms for the return of Hong Kong to China, after more than a century of British colonial rule. The agreement established that Hong Kong would become a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on July 1, 1997, and would maintain a high degree of autonomy for 50 years under the principle of 'one country, two systems.' Negotiators such as Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and British Foreign Secretary Sir Geoffrey Howe played significant roles in shaping the agreement, overcoming complex issues such as governance, civil liberties, and economic structures. The discussions were marked by a spirit of pragmatism and cooperation, with both sides recognizing the importance of ensuring stability and continuity in Hong Kong. The Joint Declaration was later enshrined in international law, which added legitimacy to the agreement. It emphasized the preservation of Hong Kong's existing legal and economic systems, as well as its freedoms and rights, which had largely flourished under British governance. The implications of this agreement were far-reaching, serving to ease concerns among the inhabitants of Hong Kong regarding their future. The 'one country, two systems' model was designed to attract foreign investment by assuring that the capitalist economic systems and freedoms present in Hong Kong would be maintained. However, this model has faced challenges over the years, leading to debates about autonomy and governance as of late, sparking significant discussions about the future of Hong Kong.