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Bright lights, big malls, and businessmen hurrying around in the highly developed city centre. This is the best advertisement for what Hong Kong tries to promote: its status as a global city. To businesses, Hong Kong tries to distinguish itself from China, advertising low tax rates, an independent judiciary and a democratic government. Yet, Hong Kong’s increasing reliance on mainland China, in both economic and political matters, suggests that Hong Kong might not be standing on its own completely.
Was it ever meant to? The Special Administrative Region (SAR) was set up so that in 50 years time (in 2047) it should be handed over to China. Hong Kong’s identity seems to go off in different directions: Hong Kong as a global city, Hong Kong as part of China and the response by the people and culture of Hong Kong.
The establishment of Hong Kong’s financial sector by the British meant Hong Kong was regarded as part of the West. Now, the SAR seems to be working hard to keep the image of a global city up.
Over 6000 international firms are stationed in Hong Kong.
Over 6000 international firms are stationed in Hong Kong, half of which are regional headquarters. Being in Hong Kong as the financial crisis hit, I experienced the volatility of the market. You could feel the stress in the streets of the financial district; they were even more hectic and busy.
Being ranked number 4 of the countries easiest to do business in according to the International Finance Corporation and having a maximum of 16% income tax are statistics that show Hong Kong’s competitiveness and attraction to anyone who’s into big money.
You would be naïve to think that Hong Kong is “just another city in China”, as Mr. Tsang, the current Chief Executive of the SAR warned in 2001. High living standards in comparison to other Chinese cities, the promotion of a free democratic system, and an open society are what Hong Kong advertises as making it a global city, distinct from mainland China.
However, Hong Kong has also become increasingly economically dependent on China. Hong Kong responds to “one country two systems”, meaning it is part of China. Yet this need not be a negative development of Hong Kong’s identity; a closer cooperation could do Hong Kong some good.
In a speech, Mr. Tsang outlined Hong Kong’s advantage: “It is the creation of the SAR that has enabled Hong Kong to once again become part of China while preserving the essence of the economic and social fabrics.”
Obviously there has been a much criticism about Hong Kong’s political identity. Hong Kong is not fully autonomous; for instance Hong Kong’s Chief Executive needs to be appointed by the Chinese government.
Needless to say this restricts the SAR massively. According to Stanford University Professor Craig Canning, “whatever steps Hong Kong might take toward political reform would require close consultation, careful review, and ultimate approval by the Chinese government”.
Not a comfortable position to be in. It also seems that it is not one that its people welcome. You will not find many Hong Kongers who say they are “Chinese”, but will rather make sure they explain they are from Hong Kong. A survey done in the University of Hong Kong between 1997 and 1999 showed that less than a quarter of people interviewed were satisfied with their government’s performance.
You would not believe the divide between Hong Konger and mainland Chinese students that I experienced in my exchange semester at the University of Hong Kong. Divided by language (Hong Kong’s official languages are Cantonese and English, whereas China’s predominant language is Mandarin), few mainlanders manage to really get integrated into a normal Hong Konger student's cycle. “We’re just different”, is the response I got from students I asked. Even though politically and economically the strings seem to be tightening, the people in Hong Kong still like to point out the differences.
Disneyland, shopping, and food are the first things that jump to mind about Hong Kong’s culture. Where are Hong Kong’s theatres and concerts? Apart from making Hong Kong more attractive as a global city, as Ms Ng, a businesswoman in Hong Kong, suggests, cultural events would enliven and enrich the city.
Regardless of political developments, the government should invest more in culture. A study of Hong Kong popular music has suggested that “owing to the lack of a large concert venue, some famous international pop artists will not perform" and goes on to say that "such a venue would stimulate local songwriters".
Hong Kong should not content itself with its provisional status, but encourage its cultural and economic development, thus laying the basis to prevail even beyond 2047. Legislative Council member Regina Ip suggested Hong Kong’s identity should be like a state in the United States of America, with as much patriotism and local autonomy as possible.
Hong Kong should enjoy being a global city and part of China and benefit from the British and international influence. It has the resources to encourage its culture. Hong Kong does not need to choose an identity; it already has many. That’s what makes it so unique.
Very interesting article. I visited shortly after 1997 and it seemed not dissimilar to how you describe it. And yes, it has, by name, its own distinction. People think differently about Hong Kong to China, though I wouldn't say that Shanghai was significantly different to HK.
I disagree with this, though; "Divided by language (Hong Kong’s official languages are Cantonese and English, whereas China’s predominant language is mandarin) few mainlanders manage to really get integrated into a normal Hong Konger’s student cycle" - Cantonese is commonplace in the surrounding area including up to Guangdong and Guangxi not to mention that Kowloon would probably be a little insulted... But sorry for that little nitpick 
hey jason, glad you liked it-
about the divided by language bit, what i meant to say that most mainlanders who study in hk come from the mandarin speaking regions, but of course, you re right, the area around hk is kantonese speaking 
Cool, didn't realise there were so many people from further away studying in HK; I would have expected the majority of people north of Kowloon would be too poor to attend aside from a few people in Beijing and a large amount in Shangkai - I guess China is developing more quickly than I expect!
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