China–Hong Kong football rivalry China–Hong Kong football rivalry The China–Hong Kong football rivalry is a sports rivalry between the national association football teams of the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong. The rivalry has been exacerbated by Hong Kong's status as a Special Administrative Region of China, which means that it does not practise communism as on the mainland, a legacy of having been under British rule until the transfer of sovereignty in 1997. China and Hong Kong have been playing each other in football matches since a friendly in Hong Kong in 1978. In 1985, Hong Kong, then a British dependent territory,
Commander British Forces in Hong Kong British Forces in Hong Kong (CBF) on all military actions. During the 1980s and 1990s, the CBF was normally a career Major General or Lieutenant General from the British Army. Until 1966, the CBF was an ex officio member of the Legislative Council. Commanders have included: <br> Commander British Forces in Hong Kong Commander British Troops in China and Hong Kong Commander British Troops in China, Hong Kong, and the Straits Settlements Commander British Troops in China and Hong Kong Commander British Troops in South China Commander British Troops in North China Commander British Forces in China Commander British Troops