ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the second half of the transition period, from 1989 to 1995; that is, from Tiananmen until final elections in 1995, This was a period marked by rapid social and political change. The tragedy of Tiananmen simultaneously drew together several different strands of social and political development. The chapter focuses on the developments and their impact on the socio-political structure of Hong Kong. The tragic events in China had a traumatic effect on Hong Kong: an effect made all the more direct by the impact of television. Apart from the public outrage over the actions of the Chinese military, Hong Kong's reaction to the crackdown stemmed from its own concerns for the future. The most visible indicator of Hong Kong's liberalisation was the emergence, during the transition period, of pressure groups, which then developed into political parties. The liberal-democratic parties are the most reformist parties in the Hong Kong political system.
