In accordance with Article 13 of the Basic Law, the Central People's Government shall be responsible for the foreign affairs relating to the HKSAR. The Central People's Government authorizes the HKSAR to conduct relevant external affairs on its own in accordance with the Basic Law.

With the authorizations from the Central People's Government where necessary, the HKSAR has concluded over 260 bilateral agreements with other jurisdictions. In addition, over 260 multilateral international conventions are applicable to the HKSAR.

Using the name “Hong Kong, China”, the HKSAR also participates as a member in international organisations and conferences not limited to states, e.g. the World Trade Organization, the World Customs Organization, the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation, etc.

As members of the delegations of the People’s Republic of China, representatives of the HKSAR Government participate in The Hague Conference on Private International Law as well as other international organizations and conferences limited to states, such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.