Negotiating Autonomy in Greater China: Hong Kong and its Sovereign Before and After 1997

Edited by Ray Yep

Local autonomy is a complex and often contentious issue in many countries, not least because the situation often involves a process of continuous (re)negotiation. Moreover, the actual power relationship is defined not only by legal permissibility but also by such other factors as varying political perceptions, economic interests and previous encounters between the centre and periphery.

This volume demonstrates that Hong Kong is a good illustration of the intricacies of the dynamic relationship in a Chinese context. The territory has a long history of pursuing its own path, both in colonial times and since 1997. With essays spanning both periods, the volume offers an understanding of the mind-set and actions of both Beijing and Hong Kong in pursuing their goals. It also provides a nuanced framework for evaluating central–local interaction in general.

Highlights

• Focuses on the perimeters defining Hong Kong’s autonomy since 1997.
• Analyses the logic of engagement between Beijing and Hong Kong.

•  Uncovers the intricacies of the intergovernmental relationship and the dynamics of central–local interaction.