Today in history: Hong Kong's Current Flag was Adopted on April 4, 1990

On April 4, 1990 – The current flag of Hong Kong is adopted for post-colonial Hong Kong during the Third Session of the Seventh National People's Congress

In 1990, the current flag of Hong Kong was adopted as part of the arrangements for the region’s return to Chinese sovereignty after more than 150 years of British colonial rule. This event was a key moment in Hong Kong's history, marking the beginning of the "one country, two systems" framework that would govern the region for 50 years after the handover in 1997. 

The flag was designed to reflect both Hong Kong’s unique identity and its integration into the People's Republic of China. Its design was chosen to symbolize the region's cultural heritage, its historical ties to China, and its future role as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) within China.

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The flag design itself features a five-petal white Bauhinia flower, the emblem of Hong Kong, at its center, set against a red background. The five-petal flower is a significant symbol in Hong Kong's history, as the Bauhinia blakeana is native to the region and has long been associated with the city.

 The petals represent the five major ethnic groups of Hong Kong: the Chinese, Europeans, Indians, Malays, and others. The choice of the red background is a direct reference to China, symbolizing the sovereignty of the People's Republic of China. The flag’s colors and elements are both a tribute to Hong Kong’s ties with the Chinese mainland and a representation of its unique status as an international city with a diverse population.

The adoption of the flag took place during the Third Session of the Seventh National People’s Congress, which was held in 1990. The legislative body was responsible for formalizing the arrangements for Hong Kong's handover to China, which would take place on July 1, 1997. The flag was unveiled as part of the broader framework that included the Basic Law, which would serve as Hong Kong's mini-constitution. 

The flag was a symbol of the SAR's new status, representing a special political and legal system that would be distinct from the mainland’s socialist system. The design reflected the importance of both Hong Kong's connection to China and the region's autonomy under the "one country, two systems" policy.

The flag’s adoption also marked a departure from the British colonial era, when Hong Kong's flag consisted of a Union Jack in the canton, symbolizing its status as a British colony. The new flag, along with the new emblem, was a stark symbol of Hong Kong’s future in a post-colonial world. 

Its design aimed to reinforce the idea of a seamless integration into China, while still honoring the region's established identity. Despite the flag’s clear connection to the mainland, the presence of the Bauhinia flower emphasized Hong Kong's local characteristics, distinguishing it from other Chinese regions.

Since its adoption, the flag has become an enduring symbol of Hong Kong's unique status. It has flown at official events, government buildings, and during public celebrations, representing both the SAR’s political autonomy and its connection to China. 

The flag is not just a governmental symbol but also a significant cultural icon, invoking a sense of pride and identity among Hong Kong’s residents. Despite the political changes and ongoing debates surrounding Hong Kong's relationship with Beijing, the flag remains a central part of the city's visual and cultural landscape, representing both its heritage and its future within the framework of "one country, two systems."