This book differs from most others of its kind, by looking at the Hong Kong issue from China's perspective, which in turn mirrors China's own situation. Through a legal lens, the author conducts a political and cultural examination of the past and the present, and provides a comprehensive overview of the many theories and problems concerning Hong Kong. Including reflections on the theory of administrative absorption of politics, a historical review of "one country, two systems" and an analysis of the form and nature of the Basic Law, it offers a valuable reference resource for studying the historical, political and legal context of Hong Kong under the principle of "one country, two systems". Instead of over-simplifying the issue of Hong Kong or only seeing it as a Chinese regional issue, the book regards it as a central Chinese issue and the key to understanding China.

Autorentext
Jiang Shigong, born in 1967, is a professor of law in Peking University Law School, with research fields of jurisprudence, constitution, Hong Kong study and legal sociology. He held the chief editorship of Peking University Law Review magazine in 19981999, and studied as a visiting sholar in Law School of Columnbia University from 2001 to 2002. His major publications include China's Hong Kong, Jurisprudence for Legislator, etc. as well as the translated work, The Higher Law Background of American Constitutional Law.

Inhalt
Reflection(s) on administrative absorption of politics.- Silent Bitterness.- Kowloon Walled City and the University of Hong Kong.- The Art of Empire.- Oceanic Thinking from a Continental Base.- Sovereignty: Between the Path of Benevolence and Hegemony.- The Origin of One Country, Two Systems.- The One Country Conundrum: Country vs. State.- The One Country Conundrum: China vs. Empire.- The Form and Nature of the Basic Law.- Departure: From Gradual Transition to Radical Revolution.- Contest: between Politics and Law.- China's Melancholy.- Postscript.