On July 15, 1997, Hong Kong celebrated its 20th anniversary of being handed back from British control to China, marking the transition under the one country, two systems arrangement. The event was filled with ceremonial festivities, but the anniversary also underscored rising concerns about the erosion of political freedoms in the region. Protests demanding democratic reforms grew in the years following the handover, particularly after the introduction of the 2003 National Security Bill. Tensions between the desire for greater autonomy and Chinas growing influence persisted throughout the years. The anniversary highlighted the challenges of maintaining Hong Kongs unique status.