special administrative region

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   Designation for types of administrative division in China, East Timor, and North Korea.
2. 2
   Designation for types of administrative division in China, East Timor, and North Korea: In China, an administrative division and a type of dependent territory that is granted de jure autonomy (apart from applicable national laws) except for foreign relations and defence.