This is the flag of the Free City of Hong Kong. It comes from a world where Britain handed over Hong Kong to Taiwan rather than the People's Republic of China. British leaders were able to convince both of the Chinas to allow Hong Kong to hold a referendum to decide its fate. The overwhelming majority voted to join Taiwan. The PRC demanded a recount, and Taiwan agreed to hold another referendum. This time, however, Hong Kong voted to become and independent city-state. America and Britain agreed to defend Hong Kong's independence if it were ever threatened. Tensions ran right for a few days but, reluctantly, the PRC agreed to respect Hong Kong's sovereignty. Though they also built a large wall along their border with Hong Kong. The PRC claimed this was to keep Hong Kongers out, but almost everyone knew it was really to keep their citizens in.