This essay provides a description of political events as they unfolded in the last years of colonial rule in Hong Kong, against the historical background of Sino-British relations, with particular reference to this territory. Then, some explanations and analyses of those events are provided. In this, I draw on cultural and historical facts and information, as well as particular characteristics the two states display in foreign policy. The aim is to provide the reader interested in China's often difficult relations with the outside world with historical context as well as an account of Hong Kong's relatively short but interesting history.