Pictures from World History: July 1, 1997: A handshake ends 156 years of British colonial rule in Hong Kong

25 years ago today, Britain returned the Crown Colony of Hong Kong to China. Upon return, Beijing promises to respect the autonomy and freedoms of people in the metropolis — and eventually breaks its promise.

25 years ago today, Britain returned the Crown Colony of Hong Kong to China. Upon return, Beijing promises to respect the autonomy and freedoms of people in the metropolis — and eventually breaks its promise.