Many years ago, Hongkong was a place governed by corrupted Qing emperor.
British came, and asked HKer whether they want to join U.K. in return, they brought HK capitalism, Democracy, technology, and wealth. Under British’s rule, HK became one of the most developed place in Asia and even in the world.
Until in 1997, CCP saw it, and CCP wanted the rich HK back. After negotiations and threats, they got HK from U.K. in 1997. However? Hong Kong people don’t want to become a part of CCP, like they don’t want to be part of the old corrupted Qing dynasty.
Now, CCP wants to turn HK from UK-like to NK-like city.