The Gate to China

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This new history offers a compelling account of China's rise and Hong Kong's descent into authoritarian rule, drawing on three decades of eyewitness reporting, interviews, and archival documents. The narrative spans from early trade and the Opium Wars to globalization and the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China, culminating in the struggle for democracy in the city and the Chinese Communist Party's eventual triumph. Through private papers, we discover Margaret Thatcher's concerns for Hong Kong, her reliance on American insights, and the complexities of her advisers' loyalties. The agreement with Beijing ultimately faltered, as the often-overlooked Chinese perspective emerges from memoirs and documents, illustrating the party's relentless tactics against its adversaries. Yet, the resilient voices of Hong Kong's citizens—articulate and courageous—advocate for ideals that persist. This account reveals how Hong Kong facilitated the People's Republic's economic reforms and its challenge to the West, prompting critical reflections on progress, identity, and freedom. Essential reading for anyone engaged with China, this work sheds light on the intricate dynamics that have shaped the region's past and present.