Mrstrategy
Banned
could hong Kong be part of Republic of China instead of the People's Republic of China once the British lease was over?
Would ww3 start over Hong Kong ?
The UK continues recognising the ROC as the legitimate government of China, and never establishes ties with the PRC.
But I'm not sure if the PRC would sit back and allow the ROC to move into HK come 1 July 1997.
HK just isn't important enough to risk nuclear war over. Moreover, by the time of the handover negotiations in '84, China was needed as an peusdo-ally against the Soviets.Would ww3 start over Hong Kong ?
HK just isn't important enough to risk nuclear war over. Moreover, by the time of the handover negotiations in '84, China was needed as an peusdo-ally against the Soviets.
One possibile, earlier POD may be madame Mao taking over Mao and transforming China into a pariah state. Then Madame Mao could use HK as ammunition for her propaganda machine. But beyond that? Not much.
It's not whether they can do it, it's if they want to do it. If madame Mao takes power, the CCP is sure to be deeply divided amongst reformists and conservatives, while the issue of who is to succeed Madame Mao will lead to political instability (since Mao's son died in the Korean war). Madame Mao needs propaganda ammunition now more than ever. Sure, retaking Hong Kong will be a great victory for international socialism, but wouldn't broadcasting that capitalists still owned Chinese land just be better in terms of propaganda? Moreover, a forcefully reunified Hong Kong will most likely stare at horror at a China without Deng, then become a hotbed of reformist activity and unrest--definately not good for Madame Mao.I'm pretty sure Madame Mao and the Gang of Four could still get the PLA to roll over HK if they wanted, even when they're busy gutting China inside out. And it's not just how and why Britain would cede it to Taiwan that's the issue. How do you get Taiwan (or anyone for that matter) to send troops to HK and hold before the PLA rolls in?