Job Discussion Forums

[slaime2960]

I have a question for you folks out there. I am still waiting to hear from the NET Scheme but my question is political. I keep hearing that Hong Kong is independent from China but that China is exerting more and more control. Is this true? If this is true what impact will this have on Westerners living and working in Hong Kong in general and for NETs in particular? Thanks.

[sistercream]

Yesterday Hong Kong celebrated Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day for the 14th time. The common Chinese translation of this is "Return to the Motherland Festival".

HK was formally returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, but with the motto "One Country, Two Systems; No change for 50 years." So HKSAR retains its own currency, police force, Immigration Department, judiciary, executive & legislature.

Freedom of speech is alive and kicking vigorously - it could be argued that HK people have more of this than people in places like the USA or Australia, as not only are people and the press permitted to say whatever they like about topics like politics and religion there is no "political correctness" brigade A sampling of the daily press (or a video clip of yesterday's big march through the centre of town) should prove that even if the central authorities WERE trying to crack down, the locals are taking no notice whatsoever (typical Cantonese!).