Page "Politics of Hong Kong" Paragraph 1

On 1 July 1997, sovereignty of Hong Kong was transferred to the People's Republic of China ( PRC ), ending over one and a half centuries of British rule.

Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region ( SAR ) of the PRC with a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign affairs and defence, which are responsibilities of the PRC government.

According to the Sino-British Joint Declaration ( 1984 ) and the Basic Law, Hong Kong will retain its political, economic, and judicial systems and unique way of life and continue to participate in international agreements and organisations as a dependent territory for at least 50 years after retrocession.

For instance, the International Olympic Committee recognises Hong Kong as a participating dependency under the name, " Hong Kong, China ", separate from the delegation from the People's Republic of China.