Some Triangle Residents Fled Hong Kong Before Takeover

Knowing the handover of Hong Kong to China would occur, many fled their native land to live in the Triangle. Some left because they feared the loss of economic freedoms to communism, but many, like Christina Lee, say it's the religious freedom they feared would be the first to go under communist rule.

Lee has few family ties left in Hong Kong. Most of her family fled knowing this day of change would come.

As a child Christina attended a school established by Christian missionaries offering courses in scriptural studies. She says she's now concerned that religion may not be taught.

She trusts capitalism will survive for the time being and even hopes Hong Kong's economic freedoms will spill over into the rest of China.

Still... Christina fears freedom and communism won't mix.

Lee's husband teaches at the UNC School of Medicine.

Reporter/Photographer:Rick Armstrong