I think my main point/question is really what is the concrete systematic difference between a "faux state" (as you refer to Hong Kong) and an occupied territory

I think my main point/question is really what is the concrete systematic difference between a "faux state" (as you refer to Hong Kong) and an occupied territory? Of course your points about the economic differences are correct. But are you saying that you agree that the current political situations aren't that different, that it's just the economic situation that's different? And wow, as you mention, the Hong Kong/China GDP Per capita difference is approximately 5x. Israelis have 12x the Palestinian GDP Per capita[1]. [1] https://www.google.com/webhp?ie=UTF-8&rct=j#q=west+bank+gdp+per+capita https://www.google.com/webhp?ie=UTF-8&rct=j#q=west+bank+gdp+...