ABSTRACT
Hong Kong faces an uncertain future because it is a "borrowed place living on borrowed time." Although Britain considers the Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula British possessions by international law and sees no legal obligation to change their status, the Chinese think otherwise. To the Communist regime in Peking, all three treaties were imposed on China by force, hence they are illegal and the entire colony should be returned to China. Leaders in Peking seem firmly convinced that this package would be both welcome by the people of Hong Kong and conducive to Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. For although Hong Kong has had almost complete autonomy from London, few believe that the Hong Kong government would be allowed genuine self-rule without interference from Peking. Peking's treatment of Hong Kong will directly affect the prospect of Taiwan's reunification with China.
