Abstract: The return of Hong Kong to the motherland is a great victory for the joint efforts of all ethnic groups of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and an important milestone in the realization of national reunification and the promotion of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. As the core of the second generation of the Party's central leadership, Deng Xiaoping played an important role in the Sino-British negotiations on the Hong Kong issue, and his contributions are mainly reflected in four aspects: first, he put forward the great concept of “one country, two systems,” thus finding a way to resolve the Hong Kong issue; second, he adhered to the principle and dominated the 22 rounds of negotiations that lasted for two years; third, he properly arranged the transition period and paved the way for the smooth return of Hong Kong; and four, he put forward the “16-character Guidelines,” pointing out the direction of Hong Kong's development after the handover.

Key words: Deng Xiaoping, return of Hong Kong, contribution, negotiation