Why Hong Kong?

https:// www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/conf_proceedings/CF137/CF137.chap10.pdf

•Technology acquisition: Hong Kong has been an important conduit for the

acquisition of advanced Western technology for China. This is because the territory was

not subject to Cold War-era technology export controls placed on China and other

Communist regimes by Western governments.

Free speech doesn't apply to the users of these social media companies. Loss of free speech usually leads to loss of revenue. But when backed by the circus, that means nothing.