Some of the biggest protest movements in Hong Kong's recent history share a common theme: The desire to safeguard Hong Kong's unique identity. With Hong Kong's fate decided , preparations began for the "handover" of Hong Kong from Britain to China on 1 July 1997. In the early 2000s, the Hong Kong government began an ambitious land reclamation project on Hong Kong Island to create acres of new waterfront land, underground bypasses and to expand the subway system. In May 2011, Hong Kong's Curriculum Development Council recommended that a compulsory "Moral and National Education" civics course be introduced into all Hong Kong schools. Ultimately, the proposals were voted down by the pro-democracy camp in Hong Kong's legislature and Hong Kong's electoral system remains unchanged.

Source: CNN June 15, 2019 02:24 UTC