Originally Posted by
SASless
Odd....the British fought the Argies over the Falklands but politely folded their Tent and walked away from Hong Kong. Some shall say that was diplomacy on the one hand...and national pride on the other.
What will happen when another Spanish Armada shows up demanding the keys to the Rock?
The majority of Hong Kong, the New Territories was only ever on a 99 year lease - and included all the water supplies and most utilities. So the decision was never If but when, and on what terms. It was a rearguard action.
with Gibraltar the Rock itself is under the treaty of Utrecht, which is perpetuity. The isthmus on which the airport is located is in dispute, certainly no treaty or lease applies. For water and utilities Gibraltar is independent, with power stations, desalination plants and huge tanks excavated under the rock itself.
Spain might conquer it, but has no valid claim or stranglehold as China did over Hong Kong.