ABSTRACT
Hong Kong depended for its existence on a series of tacit understandings between Britain and China, Britain and the people of Hong Kong, and between the people of Hong Kong and China. In the early 1950s Beijing saw no need to expel the British. In addition to its economic role, Hong Kong was the main point from which Beijing gained access to the Chinese Overseas in Southeast Asia. The signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984 made it even more necessary that Beijing should forge a network of relations with the people of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is also a bustling international city with a door that has been open to goods, ideas and people. In addition to the professionals who have foreign passports, or at any rate who have a right of residence abroad, most of the Hong Kong business people are also in the same position.
