Which country governs hong kong

In , Hong Kongers protested against an extradition bill that would have allowed residents to be sent to mainland China. It was eventually suspended and withdrawn by the chief executive. Critics feared the bill would undermine the region's judicial system. Amnesty International said the bill—if passed—would have extended the power of the mainland authorities to target critics, human rights defenders, journalists, NGO workers, and anyone else in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong defers from mainland China in two primary areas: military defense and international relations. Hong Kong may not maintain its own military; the mainland manages the military defense of Hong Kong. In international diplomacy, Hong Kong has no separate identity from mainland China. It can also participate in trade-related events and agreements under the name "Hong Kong, China. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may not maintain any separate diplomatic ties with foreign countries.

Foreign countries may have consulate offices in Hong Kong, but locate their main Chinese embassies on the mainland. The citizens of Hong Kong carry a different passport from the citizens of mainland China. Both must obtain permission before visiting the other region. Even foreign tourists who visit Hong Kong must obtain a separate visa before entering China. The principle of "one country, two systems" allows for the coexistence of socialism and capitalism under "one country," which is mainland China.

This principle has given Hong Kong the freedom to continue with its free-enterprise system, rather than merging into the communistic structure in China. The region has its own policies related to money, finance, trade, customs, and foreign exchange. Hong Kong and mainland China even use different currencies. The mainland uses the Chinese yuan as legal tender. Merchants in Hong Kong do not freely accept the yuan. The economy of Hong Kong has witnessed a tremendous transition in the past decade as services took a lead in the region at a whopping As manufacturing has shifted base to the mainland, its contribution to overall GDP has shrunk over the years 1.

Construction contributes around 4. Overall, the Hong Kong economy is characterized by low tax rates, free trade, and less government interference. The economy of mainland China is more dependent on manufacturing, although, in recent years, the service sector has started to pick up. However, the share of services in the GDP is much less than that of developed countries like the United States and Japan and also less than that of developing countries like Brazil and India.

Hong Kong's GDP per capita is vastly higher than that of mainland China's, although the latter is rapidly climbing. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has been the preferred destination choice for most Chinese companies looking to raise capital, as the mainland Chinese stock markets are more restrictive and have higher financial requirements.

Hong Kong's stock market also attracts more overseas investors. First, a registration-based IPO system, which enables listing to be relatively faster and easier than in the mainland. Second, the absence of capital controls and greater international exposure, which allows Hong Kong to serve as an anchor point for global expansion. Third, a sound financial infrastructure, which mitigates operational costs.

Fourth, an effective regulatory framework, which focuses on transparency and prudent minimum standards," wrote Tianlei Huang research analyst at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. In mid-November , a program titled "Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect" was launched, which established a cross-border channel for access to stock markets and investment. There was no direct access for individual investors in Hong Kong or overseas to Chinese stocks before this. Even in times of twisted diplomatic relations, the economic ties have remained strong between the mainland and its SAR.

Hong Kong in many respects is seen as a gateway to China for those who are interested in doing business on the mainland or accessing Chinese stocks or investments. As of June , 31 of the licensed banks in Hong Kong were of Mainland interests. Mainland China is Hong Kong's largest trading partner and its second-largest source of inward direct investment. It is also the biggest supplier of imports for Hong Kong However, some argue Hong Kong's economic importance and relevance to China's growth story is rapidly falling.

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China and is an "inalienable part" of the country. Due to its special status, Hong Kong is able to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative, and independent judicial power.

No, people in Hong Kong are considered Chinese. This lease started in when Britain negotiated a major land expansion of the Hong Kong colony. Basic Law. Hong Kong Tourism Board. World Bank.

Amnesty International. Accessed June 29, Hong Kong is also a major service economy, with particularly strong links to mainland China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.

Hong Kong provides two types of public holidays: statutory and general holidays. Statutory holidays are mandated under the Employment Ordinance and must be provided to all employees. General holidays include every Sunday, all statutory holidays and an additional 5 holidays. Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in winter and exceeding 31 degrees Celsius in summer.

It is warm, sunny and dry in autumn, cool and dry in winter, warm and humid in spring, and hot and rainy in summer. Hong Kong's population was approximately 7. People of Chinese descent comprise the vast majority of the population.

Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. English is widely used in the Government and by the legal, professional and business sectors. More information about Hong Kong is available on the China Country Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

In , China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, ending more than years of British colonial rule. Hong Kong is an independent customs territory and economic entity separate from the PRC and can separately enter into international agreements in commercial, economic, and certain legal matters, under the Basic Law.

The United States maintains substantial economic and political interests in Hong Kong and serves a large community of U. The U. Hong Kong is active in counterterrorism efforts.

Hong Kong belongs to the Container Security Initiative and remains an important partner in efforts to eliminate funding for terrorist networks and combat money laundering. Hong Kong has passed legislation designed to bring it into compliance with applicable United Nations anti-terror resolutions and with most Financial Action Task Force recommendations.