What must be obtained in order for a foreign consulate to remain in Hong Kong?

For a foreign consulate to remain in Hong Kong, it is essential to secure approval from the Central People's Government. This requirement stems from the principle of sovereignty and foreign relations as outlined in the Basic Law of Hong Kong. The Basic Law grants the Central People's Government the authority to oversee foreign affairs and diplomatic relations, which includes the establishment and operation of foreign diplomatic missions.

This approval process ensures that any foreign consulate is in alignment with the policies and framework established by the Central People's Government, reflecting the overall governance structure of Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty. It underscores the unique status of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region, where foreign relations, although managed locally to some extent, ultimately require the consent of the central authority.

The other options present considerations that do not align with the legal framework governing foreign consulates in Hong Kong. Local government permission or mandates from international organizations like the United Nations are not prerequisites for the operation of foreign consulates; likewise, consent from the Hong Kong public is not a necessary factor in this legal framework.