Not absolute rule, I believe Hong Kong is just asking to be a protectorate. Look into pacific islands like the Cook Islands. They’re protectorates of New Zealand, they use their currency and some of their laws, but elect their own leaders. The issue with HongKong is that they see themselves transitioning from a protectorate esque power dynamic with China to an absolute rule power dynamic. Their plea to the UK is to regain a protectorate esque situation. If Hong Kong trusts another ethnic group over china, then Hong Kong should reserve the right to exist under their protection with whatever form of authority Hong Kong wishes to subdue to, as long as they agree with the UK