@Lonestar
I was in Hong Kong in the summer of 97 when the hand over happened, and again the next summer. I talked to a number of people who were moving away in 1997, concerned about the lack of freedom they'd have under communist Chinese rule. And talked to a number of people the next summer who were moving back because it was still free after 1 year.

Looks live China plays the long game. 23 years later (to the day?) and they made their move.