Beijing sends tersely worded statement to Hong Kong over Snowden case . While there has been speculation that Beijing was behind the final decision to allow NSA leaker Snowden to leave Hong Kong -- a semi-autonomous Chinese territory -- on Sunday , Hong Kong authorities insist the judicial process was independent of China . Understated language brings out U.S. anger that he was allowed to leave for China . Speculation strong Beijing was behind decision to allow him to leave Hong Kong . Analysts say Hong Kong acted within its borders and independently of Beijing .
Beijing sends tersely worded statement to Hong Kong over Snowden case . Understated language brings out U.S. anger that he was allowed to leave for China . Speculation strong Beijing was behind decision to allow him to leave Hong Kong . Analysts say Hong Kong acted within its borders and independently of Beijing .