The Liberation of Hong Kong (Yue Chinese: 香港重光), also known as the British Reoccupation of Hong Kong (Yue Chinese: 英國重佔香港) or the Resumption of British Sovereignty Over Hong Kong (Yue Chinese: 英國對香港恢復行使主權), refers to the end of Japanese occupation of Hong Kong following Japanese surrender on 15 August 1945, the arrival of the Royal Navy on 30 August, and the official surrender ceremony in Hong Kong on 16 September. Prior to the surrender in the Cairo Conference, leader of Nationalist China Chiang Kai-Shek once requested that Hong Kong come under Nationalist control after the war, but the British rejected. As friction increased between Nationalists and Communists in China, Chiang relented and agreed to resume British sovereignty instead. In the position of Supreme Commander of Allied forces in China Theater, Chiang delegated Admiral of the Royal Navy Cecil Harcourt to accept Japanese surrender. As a result of British rule, Hong Kong was able to avoid the bloodshed of the Chinese Civil War and paved the way for economic growth.
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Liberation of Hong Kong in the context of Liberation Day (Hong Kong)
During British rule, Liberation Day celebration took place in Hong Kong on the last Monday in August to commemorate the liberation of Hong Kong from Japanese occupation on 30 August 1945. No official ceremonies have taken place in Hong Kong since the handover to China in 1997. Nevertheless, unofficial delegations mark the day at The Cenotaph, and the flag poles are occasionally dressed.
On September 9, 1998, the Holidays (Amendment) Bill 1998, which included the abolition of the public holiday for Liberation Day, was passed.