My Chinese Baby

Samuel applied for his Hong Kong ID and passport today.  He's qualified to obtain a Hong Kong passport because he is Chinese.  How did we end up with a Chinese son when both parents are non-Chinese?  Was there a mix-up at the hospital?

The rule in Hong Kong is that anyone born in Hong Kong who is of Chinese descent is automatically Chinese (whether you like it or not).  If the parents aren't Chinese, the burden is on the parents to prove Chinese lineage, if they want the government to recognise the child's Chinese nationality.  In our case we believe it is beneficial, so we like that arrangement. 

Our family can trace its roots back to China, therefore Samuel has Chinese descent and is Chinese.