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This book critically reviews the British experience in Hong Kong with special emphasis on the tenure of the last governor, Chris Patten, and the discourse he used in guiding the transfer of sovereignty to China. While the People's Republic of China proclaimed the recovery of Hong Kong to be just retribution for a century and a half of national shame under British rule, Patten, as the spokesperson for the British, was concerned that Britain's exit from its last significant colony should be an honourable one.
List of contents
List of Tables Acknowledgements Table of Acronyms Introduction The Imperialist Background From Early Development to the Beginnings of Retrocession The Negotiations and the Joint Declaration Representative Government and the Basic Law Tiananmen and After Enter Christopher Patten Patten's Political Reform Programme The Through Train Derailed A Lame Duck Government? The Die is Cast Ideology and Values Conclusion Index
About the author
JOHN FLOWERDEW is Associate Professor of English at the City University of Hong Kong. He has been studying Hong Kong's political transition for the last 7 years, through the Hong Kong and international media, personal contact with interested parties, including the Hong Kong Governor, Chris Patten, and a close analysis of Patten's political language.
Summary
This book critically reviews the British experience in Hong Kong with special emphasis on the tenure of the last governor, Chris Patten, and the discourse he used in guiding the transfer of sovereignty to China.
