The relative military capabilities of the two parties, like the resource dependency, is a side issue. Kuala Lumpur shows no sign of wanting Singapore back beca

The relative military capabilities of the two parties, like the resource dependency, is a side issue. Kuala Lumpur shows no sign of wanting Singapore back because Singapore would significantly alter Malaysia's demographics and push for racial equality, which is not what the ruling Malay political class wants. Beijing, however, sees every reason to keep HK. Not just the irredentism: have a look at the map and you will see that HK is on the NE entrance of the Pearl River. HK may not be as economically important as before, but just like Macau on the other side of the mouth of the Pearl River, it is of immense geostrategic importance to the security of the river delta region.