The main island is called Hong Kong Island and lies south of the peninsula. Regaining control of Hong Kong serves two purposes. First, it will erase what the Chinese have viewed as a period of disgrace. The Chinese have always considered the treaty that passed control of Hong Kong over to Britain as unfair. Second, it will greatly benefit China's economy.
China is ruled by a communist government.
The British, however, have ruled Hong Kong as a democracy. Many people are wondering how the differences between these two forms of government will affect the people and economy of Hong Kong. Even though Hong Kong is a part of China, it is a special region. For a time, at least, the people of Hong Kong have rights that people throughout the rest of China do not have. Chinese on the mainland currently experience life much differently than the people of Hong Kong.