Hong Kong’s Reunion with China

As Hong Kong transforms from a colonial dependent territory to a Chinese special administrative region, its international status will be increasingly connected to China’s position in the world. The nature of Hong Kong global linkages are shifting as the political identities of Hong Kong people inevitably become more nationalized. But a mix of pragmatic nationalism and globalism is likely to continue to characterize Hong Kong’s outlook as the China-Hong Kong reunion takes place.

A Hong Kong which is part of China, but with its global linkages intact could be a great asset to both China and the world. It is therefore not in China’s interest to turn the city into just another Chinese city, or to discourage the international community to recognize the SAR’s special international status. In the final analysis, Hong Kong must rise to the enormous challenge the reunion brings.