Continuity mistake: When Fogg meets the character played by Rob Schneider, Rob says "Now, your stink is your most powerful weapon..." while pointing with his fingers. When it cuts to Fogg you see Rob's hands suddenly appears on Fogg's shoulders.
Continuity mistake: When Passpartout is making hot tea, he throws the water into Fix's crotch. A few minutes later, when Fix is looking back at Passpartout, his pants are fully illuminated and are dry.
Answer: Hong Kong was indeed under British rule from 1841-1997. In short, it stems from the First Opium War where in the aftermath of the war, China ceded (gave up control of) Hong Kong to the British. After the war, with the cession of Hong Hong, it wasn't technically part of China any more and Britain didn't really seek to occupy more of China.
Bishop73