Hong Kong is a complicated place. It is true that Hong Kong is a part of China, while, however, it was a part of British. The return brought Hong Kong change, which is difficult to be defined as good or bad. This change seems unavoidable, for all kinds of reasons. So, It was Hong Kong, while we can see that It is Hong Kong "with some Chinese characteristics" at present.
The "Chinese Characteristics" is becoming more and more, just like more and more inlanders come to Hong Kong. You need inlanders' money and thus you have to study Putonghua, by talking with them or turning to Chinese-characterized media like CCTV. Then, you are more or less Chinese-characterized.