I think we all have to understand one thing about the Chinese Government. For 2500 years China has held itself as the centre of the world & every nation must Kow Tau to China.

Until 1947 it was the Emperor. The change of system has made no difference to their attitude. The Emperor or The Party, it makes no difference. Hong Kong & Macau are just small annoyances in their overall scheme of World domination.

Every Island of the East Coast of Asia is claimed as owned by them. Even, historically, Australia. They mapped the mainland & the Murray/Darling River up to the spring on a little stream just before you get into Hughenden. (Map in the Museum in Taiwan. The Great South Land claimed for the Emperor.) The Chinese Explorer, Cheng Ho, visited Malaysia, Indonesia, India & parts of the East Coast of Africa demanding Tribute from the various Rulers. I believe there was even envoy sent to the Vatican demanding the Pope to send Tribute to the Chinese Emperor. Such is their unchanging attitude towards the rest of the World.

Be afraid, be very afraid. Time will tell.

Hong Kong isn't the only region itching to ditch.
There are currently 5 other separatist movements in China, and the perennial issue of Taiwan.

Dictatorial regimes do not end pleasantly, and this one will be a doozie.

Which makes you wonder why so much of the world is happy for China to manufacture virtually everything we consume.
When that ship goes down, all those toasters and T-shirts go down with it.
Will any other nation be left who makes anything themselves by then?

Thanks for your comments. I have consistently argued against putting all our eggs in the China basket. The movement for closer ties with the other Asian giant, India, is to be welcomed - a very imperfect democracy, but a democracy nonetheless. Also there are opportunities not fully exploited with other south-east Asian economies and I will be taking a look at what Burma has to offer in a couple of weeks. For many years we relied far too heavily on the United Kingdom in order to preserve and enhance our prosperity. It would be a tragedy if we made the same mistake with China.