How are Hong Kong and Macau administered within China?

Hong Kong and Macau are administered as Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of China. Both territories operate under the principle of "one country, two systems," a framework established to allow them to maintain their distinct capitalist economies and a high degree of political autonomy for 50 years following their respective returns to Chinese sovereignty—Hong Kong in 1997 and Macau in 1999.123

Under this arrangement, the central government in Beijing retains authority over foreign policy and defense for both regions. Each SAR is led by a chief executive who serves under the jurisdiction of the central government.1243

While the Basic Laws of both regions were designed to preserve their existing social and economic ways of life, the administration of these territories has evolved. In Hong Kong, for example, the implementation of a 2020 security law has raised concerns regarding the region's political autonomy. Similarly, Macau’s governance is defined by its own Basic Law, which ensures local leadership and specific civil rights, though it remains firmly under Chinese sovereignty.32