some of the responses, I'm guessing, are from folks who have a) never been there, b)travelled there in the 80's or c) read one too many espionage novels. either that or I have been extremely lucky.....

I travel there at least once a year for approx. 2-3 weeks at a time. I like to travel a bit so I'm all over the place.

I usually carry: 2 spydercos (endura/delica/goddard), multi-tool, 2 flash lights (inova X5/infinity ultra), FAK, and a chain wallet in addition to usual luggage. never had a problem with the populace or cops, but then I like to keep a low profile. btw, all gears are clipped to pockets or carried on belt. you won't have a problem with battery in cities.

Theft is a big problem in any big city, my chain wallet stays inside the waistband, I wrap the chain around my belt so it will stay in place.

never had any problems with food except 1997, been carrying Imodium AD since and never used it. Buy bottled water, hotels will provide either coolers or boiled water in vaccum bottles. btw, don't drink from tap, not even the locals do! never needed potable aqua, if you are indeed in a place where that becomes a necessity, you are going to need more than that.

if you stick to major cities the public restrooms inside most places are perfectly serviceable, but carry some type of fragrant inhalant would be helpful. you might have to "buy" TP. (in quotation because it's mandatory in some places) It's when you go to the rural area that you do need to carry some with you.

I carry purell with me, you'll want it or something similar.

never been followed (as far as I know) but then I'm an atheist, no hellfire and brimstone speech from me. I also don't strike up conversation with strangers about politics.

do you have a route planned out? how about fluency language wise? you are flying into hongkong, but if you go to the mainland you should be fluent in mandarin. that will help you more than your gear.

two additional things:
try not to drive in China, taxis are cheap and the drivers are a lot braver than you are likely to be. the beer is a lot stronger than some of the popular brands in the US. most of the domestic beer I've seen are in the 25-30 proof.

david.