Overview
Considering its recent prominence in the news headlines, it is a valid question to ask which country Hong Kong actually belongs to - China or not?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as one might think, and it may not please all commentators. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region that is under the control of The People's Republic of China. However, it enjoys its own limited autonomy as defined by the Basic Law. The concept of "one country, two systems" allows for the coexistence of socialism and capitalism within mainland China.
While Hong Kong retains its own currency, passport and immigration channels, and legal system, the ultimate authority lies with Beijing. It is important to note that Hong Kong was never an independent country. Prior to the 1997 handover, it was a colony of the United Kingdom, ruled by a governor appointed by the British Parliament and answerable to the Queen.
After the handover, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and, officially, a part of China. However, in many aspects, it operates as an independent country. Hong Kong has its own government infrastructure, including its own currency, legal system, and parliamentary system, which will be retained until 2047 as per the agreement between China and Britain.
The Hong Kong parliament is a compromise between Democrats and Beijing partisans, with a partial election by popular vote and partial selection by Beijing-approved caucuses. The head of government, the Hong Kong Chief Executive, is selected from a shortlist and appointed by Beijing.