Hong Kong is governed by a political system that is separate from, but influenced by, the mainland political system.  For example, I was there in June and witnessed the march to commemorate the anniversary of Tiananmen Square.  No such event would be possible in any territory directly controlled by the mainland government.  That being said, my experience is that the residents of Hong Kong seem fairly apolitical, and much more interested in economic concerns.  My experience also agrees with the conclusion that Hong Kong has a higher level of economic freedom than either the US or the UK.