The Office was established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in accordance with the Basic Law. It is responsible for handling foreign affairs concerning the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

According to the Basic Law, the function of the Office include: handling foreign affairs concerning the HKSAR; assisting the SAR Government in dealing with external affairs in accordance with the Basic Law or with authorization; processing other matters as instructed by the Central Government and the Foreign Ministry. To be more specific, we

I. Coordinate HKSAR's participation in relevant international organizations and conferences; coordinate establishment of offices by international organizations and institutions in HKSAR; coordinate convening of inter-governmental conferences in the HKSAR. II. Handle applicability of international conventions in HKSAR; assist in dealing with matters concerning conclusion of bilateral agreements between HKSAR and foreign governments with authorization of the Central Government. III. Coordinate establishment of consular posts or other official and semi-official institutions by foreign governments in HKSAR. IV. Process applications of foreign state aircrafts and warships for access to HKSAR.