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A Modern History of Hong Kong
From a little-known fishing community at the periphery of China, Hong Kong developed into one of the world's most spectacular and cosmopolitan metropoles after a century and a half of British imperial rule. This history of Hong Kong -- from its occupation by the British in 1841 to its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 -- includes the foundation of modern Hong Kong; its developments as an imperial outpost, its transformation into the ""pearl"" of the British Empire and of the Orient and the events leading to the end of British rule. Based on extensive research in British and Chinese sources, both official and private, the book addresses the changing relations between the local Chinese and the expatriate communities in 156 years of British rule, and the emergence of a local identity. It ends with a critical but dispassionate examination of Hong Kong's transition from a British Crown Colony to a Chinese Special Administrative Region.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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August 10, 2020
Hong Kong's colonial history isn't just worth learning about for those interested in the city. Conceptions and misconceptions about colonial Hong Kong continue to directly shape both Hong Kong and China's attitude to the West. Moreover, British Hong Kong provides an effective backdrop to study broader political questions, such as how democracy develops, the relationship between colonizer and colonized, and diplomacy between nations. Anyone interested in these themes would gain a lot from studying the city's colonial history.
I read this book concurrently with the other HK colonial history book people often recommend, A Modern History of Hong Kong by Frank Welsh. I reviewed both, and hope that comparing them can help point readers to where to start if they want to start learning about this city's fascinating and ever so relevant history.
Surprisingly, the two books are far more alike than different in their perspective on British Hong Kong's history. Neither shy away from extolling the achievements of the British rulers, though do they also avoid over-sentimentalizing their intentions. Both try their best to describe the complex relationship between the colonial government and Chinese community (often relying on the same events and sources), though both are also limited by the challenges of comprehensively representing a community with limited education and political influence. Much of the analysis on the Chinese community relies on seminal events (such as the 1967 riots) or particularly influential Chinese (the Tung Wah Hospital Board or the Sanitation Bureau officials).
In terms of writing style, Tsang's book makes considerably less use of direct citations of primary sources (liberal use of footnotes) and clearly values efficiently communicating ideas over constructing a narrative. Despite being roughly a third in length, Tsang covers more ground than Welsh both in terms of timeframe and themes. While this makes the book a more digestible read, I was surprised to find it less compelling than Welsh's longer, more involved work. Since Tsang avoids Welsh's lengthy analysis of primary documents and characters' personalities, it often reads more like a textbook than history book. While this would make it a more efficient read for those who simply want to learn about Hong Kong's history quickly, a committed reader would probably find Welsh's work more absorbing and rewarding.
Thematically, Tsang's book differentiates itself from Welsh by focusing more on three key areas: economic forces, Hong Kong's role in China's 20th century turmoil, and the Sino-British Handover negotiations. Tsang displays a better understanding of the broad, structural forces at work in the 19th and 20th centuries. For example, he dedicates an entire chapter to detailing how the economy evolved from a simple trading hub to a manufacturing hub and later a services hub, drawing on the effects of government policy, Chinese immigrants' personal incentives, Hong Kong's unique opportunities during the Cold War, and how credit was granted by the banking sector. He also focuses on how Hong Kong influenced the Chinese revolutions and Civil War, making the interesting argument that British Hong Kong (which avoided persecuting Nationalist and Communist sympathizers alike) both stabilized China by providing the losers of conflict with a safe refuge, and destabilized it by providing revolutionaries with a safe haven to develop their ideologies and plans. Tsang's book shines most when discussing the Sino-British Handover negotiations and the impact of Chris Patten's last governorship, both of which were ongoing when Welsh published his book. We're given a much clearer picture of why the negotiations unfolded the way they did, and the multifaceted and changing public response to them.
However, much of the above comes at the expense of analyzing the politics, ideas, and personalities that drove Britain's impactful rule, which Welsh does remarkably well. This is evident in how ¾ of Welsh's book by page-count takes place before and during WWII, a period that occupies less than ½ of Tsang's. Readers who are more interested in the topics above will probably find Tsang's book more informative, but those interested in better understanding Britain's rule would likely be drawn to Welsh. In my view, the latter is far more under-represented in discussions on HK and China despite its continued relevance, which made me slightly more impressed by Welsh (though both are worth reading!).
I read this book concurrently with the other HK colonial history book people often recommend, A Modern History of Hong Kong by Frank Welsh. I reviewed both, and hope that comparing them can help point readers to where to start if they want to start learning about this city's fascinating and ever so relevant history.
Surprisingly, the two books are far more alike than different in their perspective on British Hong Kong's history. Neither shy away from extolling the achievements of the British rulers, though do they also avoid over-sentimentalizing their intentions. Both try their best to describe the complex relationship between the colonial government and Chinese community (often relying on the same events and sources), though both are also limited by the challenges of comprehensively representing a community with limited education and political influence. Much of the analysis on the Chinese community relies on seminal events (such as the 1967 riots) or particularly influential Chinese (the Tung Wah Hospital Board or the Sanitation Bureau officials).
In terms of writing style, Tsang's book makes considerably less use of direct citations of primary sources (liberal use of footnotes) and clearly values efficiently communicating ideas over constructing a narrative. Despite being roughly a third in length, Tsang covers more ground than Welsh both in terms of timeframe and themes. While this makes the book a more digestible read, I was surprised to find it less compelling than Welsh's longer, more involved work. Since Tsang avoids Welsh's lengthy analysis of primary documents and characters' personalities, it often reads more like a textbook than history book. While this would make it a more efficient read for those who simply want to learn about Hong Kong's history quickly, a committed reader would probably find Welsh's work more absorbing and rewarding.
Thematically, Tsang's book differentiates itself from Welsh by focusing more on three key areas: economic forces, Hong Kong's role in China's 20th century turmoil, and the Sino-British Handover negotiations. Tsang displays a better understanding of the broad, structural forces at work in the 19th and 20th centuries. For example, he dedicates an entire chapter to detailing how the economy evolved from a simple trading hub to a manufacturing hub and later a services hub, drawing on the effects of government policy, Chinese immigrants' personal incentives, Hong Kong's unique opportunities during the Cold War, and how credit was granted by the banking sector. He also focuses on how Hong Kong influenced the Chinese revolutions and Civil War, making the interesting argument that British Hong Kong (which avoided persecuting Nationalist and Communist sympathizers alike) both stabilized China by providing the losers of conflict with a safe refuge, and destabilized it by providing revolutionaries with a safe haven to develop their ideologies and plans. Tsang's book shines most when discussing the Sino-British Handover negotiations and the impact of Chris Patten's last governorship, both of which were ongoing when Welsh published his book. We're given a much clearer picture of why the negotiations unfolded the way they did, and the multifaceted and changing public response to them.
However, much of the above comes at the expense of analyzing the politics, ideas, and personalities that drove Britain's impactful rule, which Welsh does remarkably well. This is evident in how ¾ of Welsh's book by page-count takes place before and during WWII, a period that occupies less than ½ of Tsang's. Readers who are more interested in the topics above will probably find Tsang's book more informative, but those interested in better understanding Britain's rule would likely be drawn to Welsh. In my view, the latter is far more under-represented in discussions on HK and China despite its continued relevance, which made me slightly more impressed by Welsh (though both are worth reading!).
January 16, 2018
I got to visit Hong Kong this past winter, and I had a great time. Unfortunately, I knew almost nothing about Hong Kong's background and rich history. Steve Tsang tells you everything you could possibly want to know about Hong Kong from the 1841-1997 period. While the book is a tad dry, I would recommend reading for people that want to know more. This quote from the last chapter sums up the entire book quite nicely,
"British Hong Kong was handed back to the successor state of the Chinese Empire not because it had failed or its people had voted to do so, but for essentially the same reason that it had come under British rule in the first place. This was the result of the changing balance of power between Britain and China. The main difference being that this time this was recognized and acted on by its sovereign power, Britain, without fighting a war that it could not win. Both Britain and China accepted that Hong Kong had become too valuable to risk its destruction. In this sense the peaceful and successful transfer of its sovereignty represented the triumph of reason and reasonable behavior over emotions and dogma."
"British Hong Kong was handed back to the successor state of the Chinese Empire not because it had failed or its people had voted to do so, but for essentially the same reason that it had come under British rule in the first place. This was the result of the changing balance of power between Britain and China. The main difference being that this time this was recognized and acted on by its sovereign power, Britain, without fighting a war that it could not win. Both Britain and China accepted that Hong Kong had become too valuable to risk its destruction. In this sense the peaceful and successful transfer of its sovereignty represented the triumph of reason and reasonable behavior over emotions and dogma."
June 3, 2021
While Tsang provides a concrete overview of Hong Kong's rich history, the dry structure and prose, on top of an overarching pro-british bias, somewhat pulls it down. While he acknowledges many flaws in the colonial administration, it is often done alongside a degree of whataboutism in relation to mainland China that becomes tiresome throughout the book. Each critisism of the administration is proceeded by a comparison to the condition of mainland China, seemingly in an attempt to downplay the significance of these issues.
Additionally, there are some questionable assertions and implication. For example, Tsang says in the latter half of the book: 'the riots reflected more a frustration against the lack of communication between the people and the government than dissatisfaction over government ineffeciency.' I'm not sure what Tsang considers inefficient, but to me, poor communication between administration and population is very much a symptom and a cause of inefficiency.
Also, the level to which Tsang comprehends the CCP's ideology is questionable. He attempts to bring legitimacy to the colonial administration, particularly in its later years, by showing the degree to which it fit in with the Chinese political tradition. While I agree wholeheartedly that the administration very much satisfied this tradition, Tsang does not seem to indicate an awareness that the CCP's attitude to the Chinese political tradition is hardly wholly positive, especially in the hard-line Maoist camp.
Regardess, this book did provide a thorough overview of Hong Kong's history which I would recommend.
Additionally, there are some questionable assertions and implication. For example, Tsang says in the latter half of the book: 'the riots reflected more a frustration against the lack of communication between the people and the government than dissatisfaction over government ineffeciency.' I'm not sure what Tsang considers inefficient, but to me, poor communication between administration and population is very much a symptom and a cause of inefficiency.
Also, the level to which Tsang comprehends the CCP's ideology is questionable. He attempts to bring legitimacy to the colonial administration, particularly in its later years, by showing the degree to which it fit in with the Chinese political tradition. While I agree wholeheartedly that the administration very much satisfied this tradition, Tsang does not seem to indicate an awareness that the CCP's attitude to the Chinese political tradition is hardly wholly positive, especially in the hard-line Maoist camp.
Regardess, this book did provide a thorough overview of Hong Kong's history which I would recommend.
June 10, 2019
While clearly possessing great knowledge and passion for his subject, Tsang falls prey of the classic scholar’s error of missing the wood from the trees – specific policies and encounters are thrashed out in frustratingly pained detail, yet he provides little of the colour or tumult which define Asia’s “world city”. One feels there is a remarkable story that hasn’t been told – we never zoom out to consider HK’s global uniqueness, culture clout, nor the rich colour of its daily life over the ages. One comes away with little idea of what living in HK at any other era was actually like, nor why a reader with no investment in the territory should care what he has to say.
One also detects a willfully apologetic tone at times, with Tsang’s stance often at pains to explain away British indifference and incompetence.
Moreover, Tsang’s prose is frequently flat and free from flare, and his pacing repetitive, making this “brief account” an ultimately slog-gish read. Having said all that – it’s one of scarily few overviews out there, and will doubtless offer plenty of fresh fact for an interested reader. Find the perspective yourself, though. Oh, and if you haven’t already, visit.
One also detects a willfully apologetic tone at times, with Tsang’s stance often at pains to explain away British indifference and incompetence.
Moreover, Tsang’s prose is frequently flat and free from flare, and his pacing repetitive, making this “brief account” an ultimately slog-gish read. Having said all that – it’s one of scarily few overviews out there, and will doubtless offer plenty of fresh fact for an interested reader. Find the perspective yourself, though. Oh, and if you haven’t already, visit.
January 29, 2013
A dull but serviceable general political and economic history of 19th and 20th century Hong Kong. It wasn't a lively read and I would have preferred some inclusion of social and cultural factors but it did the job and certainly made the case that the British transition in 1997 went about as well as could be expected.
April 19, 2025
Steve Tsang’s A Modern History of Hong Kong is a comprehensive and scholarly analysis of the forces that shaped modern Hong Kong—from its quiet origins as a barren fishing village to its development as a colonial outpost of the British Empire, culminating in the 1997 handover to China. Published in 2004, the book traces the political and economic currents that transformed the territory into a hub of international trade, marked by political stability and predictability, from 1841 through 1997. Drawing on a range of archival sources (primarily from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the United States), along with oral interviews with dozens of former members of the local government and British diplomatic service, Tsang—a Hong Kong-born political scientist and historian of Chinese politics—offers a balanced and well-researched account, navigating the complex colonial and postcolonial narratives with academic rigor and clarity.
Tsang begins his analysis by examining Britain’s imperialist pursuit of a free-trade economy with China, positioning Hong Kong as a somewhat incidental product of broader military and diplomatic ambitions. He describes Hong Kong’s early emergence as a naval station and trading outpost under British jurisdiction, which gradually developed into a stable and secure territory. That framework of legal and governmental predictability, Tsang argues, laid the foundation for Hong Kong’s rise as a global commercial center.
The book explores Hong Kong’s various phases of development—from the relative stability under early colonial administration, through the disruption of Japanese occupation and civil unrest, to the rapid industrialization of the 1970s. While Tsang does not wholly exonerate British colonial rule, his perspective is generally sympathetic to the role it played in fostering the political structure and social stability that allowed Hong Kong’s economy to thrive. Despite the paternalistic governance, “benign neglect” of the local Chinese population, and self-serving economic motives (which some might interpret as exploitative), Tsang largely credits British rule with creating the conditions for Hong Kong’s successful modernization prior to 1997.
The book is particularly strong in its examination of Hong Kong’s legal framework, administrative reforms, and the complex diplomatic negotiations leading up to the handover. Tsang’s treatment of the 1985 Sino-British Joint Declaration, the drafting of the Basic Law, and the constitutional reforms that shaped the 1997 transition is especially insightful. However, the book offers only limited exploration of Hong Kong’s social and cultural evolution, which prevents it from serving as a truly multidisciplinary history. Moreover, since the narrative ends in 1997, it does not address key post-handover developments—such as the 2014 Umbrella Movement and the 2019 protests—that are essential to understanding Hong Kong’s current political climate.
Overall, A Modern History of Hong Kong is an admirable and authoritative study of the politics and governance of Hong Kong during the British colonial period, offering essential context for the territory’s transformation up to the handover.
Tsang begins his analysis by examining Britain’s imperialist pursuit of a free-trade economy with China, positioning Hong Kong as a somewhat incidental product of broader military and diplomatic ambitions. He describes Hong Kong’s early emergence as a naval station and trading outpost under British jurisdiction, which gradually developed into a stable and secure territory. That framework of legal and governmental predictability, Tsang argues, laid the foundation for Hong Kong’s rise as a global commercial center.
The book explores Hong Kong’s various phases of development—from the relative stability under early colonial administration, through the disruption of Japanese occupation and civil unrest, to the rapid industrialization of the 1970s. While Tsang does not wholly exonerate British colonial rule, his perspective is generally sympathetic to the role it played in fostering the political structure and social stability that allowed Hong Kong’s economy to thrive. Despite the paternalistic governance, “benign neglect” of the local Chinese population, and self-serving economic motives (which some might interpret as exploitative), Tsang largely credits British rule with creating the conditions for Hong Kong’s successful modernization prior to 1997.
The book is particularly strong in its examination of Hong Kong’s legal framework, administrative reforms, and the complex diplomatic negotiations leading up to the handover. Tsang’s treatment of the 1985 Sino-British Joint Declaration, the drafting of the Basic Law, and the constitutional reforms that shaped the 1997 transition is especially insightful. However, the book offers only limited exploration of Hong Kong’s social and cultural evolution, which prevents it from serving as a truly multidisciplinary history. Moreover, since the narrative ends in 1997, it does not address key post-handover developments—such as the 2014 Umbrella Movement and the 2019 protests—that are essential to understanding Hong Kong’s current political climate.
Overall, A Modern History of Hong Kong is an admirable and authoritative study of the politics and governance of Hong Kong during the British colonial period, offering essential context for the territory’s transformation up to the handover.
January 11, 2016
"It [the tea trade] amounted to about 16 per cent of customs revenue in Britain in the five years preceding the First Anglo-Chinese War, and was sufficient to pay for about 83 per cent of the costs for maintaining the Royal Navy." (6)
"The main British concern [during the First Opium War] was to secure the right to trade in China and make as much profit as possible. In general, the British government did not see the opium trade in moral terms and merely treated it as a most profitable commerce that would continue as long as the Chinese general public desired it and the Chinese officialdom remained too corrupt to enforce its own prohibition order on a sustainable basis." (12-3)
"By serving as a safe haven for dissidents, political refugees and officials who had lost power, Hong Kong contributed to political stability and change in China and so acted as a safety valve in the turbulent politics of twentieth century China." (80)
"Hong Kong became the principal channel through which the PRC acquired modern technology, management skills and capital. It contributed almost one third of the PRC's foreign exchange earnings. It also provided crucial financial services that were unavailable in the PRC. ... The way the government and the people of Hong Kong dealt with its future was essentially built on this formula of not rocking the boat. It was not glamorous but it was Hong Kong's strategy for survival." (159-60)
"While it remained an essentially British colonial administration, it also fulfilled the basic conditions for such a government [good government in the Chinese tradition], namely, efficiency, fairness, honesty, benevolent paternalism, and non-intrusion into the lives of ordinary people." (197)
"Ultimately, the durability of the British legacies depends on whether they have become part of the fabric of the society and politics of Hong Kong. ... The most important legacies from the British are all in fact essential for making Hong Kong the tremendously successful place it is, the raison d'etre behind the Chinese policy of 'one country, two systems.'" (287)
"The main British concern [during the First Opium War] was to secure the right to trade in China and make as much profit as possible. In general, the British government did not see the opium trade in moral terms and merely treated it as a most profitable commerce that would continue as long as the Chinese general public desired it and the Chinese officialdom remained too corrupt to enforce its own prohibition order on a sustainable basis." (12-3)
"By serving as a safe haven for dissidents, political refugees and officials who had lost power, Hong Kong contributed to political stability and change in China and so acted as a safety valve in the turbulent politics of twentieth century China." (80)
"Hong Kong became the principal channel through which the PRC acquired modern technology, management skills and capital. It contributed almost one third of the PRC's foreign exchange earnings. It also provided crucial financial services that were unavailable in the PRC. ... The way the government and the people of Hong Kong dealt with its future was essentially built on this formula of not rocking the boat. It was not glamorous but it was Hong Kong's strategy for survival." (159-60)
"While it remained an essentially British colonial administration, it also fulfilled the basic conditions for such a government [good government in the Chinese tradition], namely, efficiency, fairness, honesty, benevolent paternalism, and non-intrusion into the lives of ordinary people." (197)
"Ultimately, the durability of the British legacies depends on whether they have become part of the fabric of the society and politics of Hong Kong. ... The most important legacies from the British are all in fact essential for making Hong Kong the tremendously successful place it is, the raison d'etre behind the Chinese policy of 'one country, two systems.'" (287)
April 18, 2020
If you want to know the history of Hong Kong, this is the best book to start. It tells the history from the days before the British occupy Hong Kong to the British's handover of Hong Kong. It's an extremely insightful book that tells not only the cold hard truths that were going on at the time, it also conveys the spirit of the Hong Kong people and how they change over time.
July 30, 2019
There has never been a more important time to read this book than now. The ongoing protest situation in Hong Kong, along with the response to it by both the Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese governments, has prompted a dizzying array of opinion pieces, articles and social media debates, much of which is riddled with misinformation about Hong Kong and its history.
What Steve Tsang has produced as an authoritative history that examines the birth of modern Hong Kong from the ashes of the Opium Wars, the British colonial administration before and after the Second World War, major events that defined the city state and closes with an examination of the antecedents, consequences and legacy of the 1997 Handover. Tsang provides a balanced account that neither seeks to unduly praise nor to overly criticise Britain's role in Hong Kong's history. Instead he presents the facts as they are, and leaves it to the reader to judge.
Like so much else about Hong Kong, it is a city of paradoxes, at once Chinese and not-Chinese, Eastern and Western, autonomous and controlled, modern and traditional. Its people and their complex identity are inextricably linked to the city and its history. Tsang's book explores how this has come to be, and examines not just the linear historical narrative of the city but also the social, legal and political forces that have shaped it.
More than anything else, this book is an antidote to the exaggerated claims made on behalf of Hong Kong by those who seek to speak for (or, indeed, against) it. Armed with Tsang's rigorously researched book, one can take a calm, level-headed approach to the subject matter and quickly dispel the propaganda, historical revisionism and general ignorance (wilful or otherwise) that never fails to infiltrate any debate about Hong Kong.
Perhaps the biggest eye-opener for me as a reader was the account of Hong Kong's democratisation from the early 1980s onwards. Many commentators have claimed the city was entirely undemocratic, unrepresentative and unresponsive to public sentiments, and that the British did little or nothing to change that situation until it was too late. Having read Tsang's book, it is clear that such a characterisation is woefully short-sighted. While it is true that until the 1980s, the city was theoretically an autocracy ruled by a colonial governor, the reality was that following the restoration of British rule in 1945, the colonial administration was restricted by convention and became very receptive and open to popular demands, something Tsang calls "the inhibited political centre". While it had absolute power in theory - just as a constitutional monarch does - in practice, the Hong Kong government operated a very light touch style of policy making and gave its people a wide degree of autonomy and freedom, underpinned by the rule of law, an independent judiciary and civil service, and a no holds barred approach to anti-corruption. By the early 80s, the process of introducing elected members into the Legislative Council was well underway; it would have proceeded much further by 1997 had it not been for the combined intransigence of the Chinese Communist Party and the events of Tiananmen Square in 1989. By the time of the last governor, Chris Patten, a serious package of reforms was put in place to accelerate the democratisation process - but following the Handover, these reforms were largely overturned by the new Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa, in accordance with Beijing's wishes. While there can be no doubt the British could have done more long before the approaching 'date with destiny', it is plainly wrong to pin full responsibility on them for the continued lack of democracy in Hong Kong today. What is more, Tsang takes great care to emphasise the ingredients that made Hong Kong a success, and clarifies that democracy in and of itself was neither something seriously demanded by the people (until the 1997 Handover was finally - and reluctantly - agreed to by the Thatcher government) nor the sole criterion for ensuring good governance.
To truly understand what is playing out in the city of Hong Kong today, Tsang's book is simply indispensable, and a must-read for any commentator, opinion-maker or journalist reporting on the events as they unfold.
What Steve Tsang has produced as an authoritative history that examines the birth of modern Hong Kong from the ashes of the Opium Wars, the British colonial administration before and after the Second World War, major events that defined the city state and closes with an examination of the antecedents, consequences and legacy of the 1997 Handover. Tsang provides a balanced account that neither seeks to unduly praise nor to overly criticise Britain's role in Hong Kong's history. Instead he presents the facts as they are, and leaves it to the reader to judge.
Like so much else about Hong Kong, it is a city of paradoxes, at once Chinese and not-Chinese, Eastern and Western, autonomous and controlled, modern and traditional. Its people and their complex identity are inextricably linked to the city and its history. Tsang's book explores how this has come to be, and examines not just the linear historical narrative of the city but also the social, legal and political forces that have shaped it.
More than anything else, this book is an antidote to the exaggerated claims made on behalf of Hong Kong by those who seek to speak for (or, indeed, against) it. Armed with Tsang's rigorously researched book, one can take a calm, level-headed approach to the subject matter and quickly dispel the propaganda, historical revisionism and general ignorance (wilful or otherwise) that never fails to infiltrate any debate about Hong Kong.
Perhaps the biggest eye-opener for me as a reader was the account of Hong Kong's democratisation from the early 1980s onwards. Many commentators have claimed the city was entirely undemocratic, unrepresentative and unresponsive to public sentiments, and that the British did little or nothing to change that situation until it was too late. Having read Tsang's book, it is clear that such a characterisation is woefully short-sighted. While it is true that until the 1980s, the city was theoretically an autocracy ruled by a colonial governor, the reality was that following the restoration of British rule in 1945, the colonial administration was restricted by convention and became very receptive and open to popular demands, something Tsang calls "the inhibited political centre". While it had absolute power in theory - just as a constitutional monarch does - in practice, the Hong Kong government operated a very light touch style of policy making and gave its people a wide degree of autonomy and freedom, underpinned by the rule of law, an independent judiciary and civil service, and a no holds barred approach to anti-corruption. By the early 80s, the process of introducing elected members into the Legislative Council was well underway; it would have proceeded much further by 1997 had it not been for the combined intransigence of the Chinese Communist Party and the events of Tiananmen Square in 1989. By the time of the last governor, Chris Patten, a serious package of reforms was put in place to accelerate the democratisation process - but following the Handover, these reforms were largely overturned by the new Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa, in accordance with Beijing's wishes. While there can be no doubt the British could have done more long before the approaching 'date with destiny', it is plainly wrong to pin full responsibility on them for the continued lack of democracy in Hong Kong today. What is more, Tsang takes great care to emphasise the ingredients that made Hong Kong a success, and clarifies that democracy in and of itself was neither something seriously demanded by the people (until the 1997 Handover was finally - and reluctantly - agreed to by the Thatcher government) nor the sole criterion for ensuring good governance.
To truly understand what is playing out in the city of Hong Kong today, Tsang's book is simply indispensable, and a must-read for any commentator, opinion-maker or journalist reporting on the events as they unfold.
June 18, 2025
From a small piece of rocky island on the southern coast of China, 'leased' to Great Britain by China after its defeat by the former. Hong Kong emerged as one of the Economic Powerhouse of Asia. It was made by the perfect match of British Laissez-faire and paternalistic policy, coupled with Chinese ingenuity and resourcefulness. This book discussed history of Hong Kong, from the early time of its acquisition by the British, its growth as one of the Jewels in Crown of Britain, its hardship during two World Wars, and an anomaly in Cold War, as British retreated from most of its colonial possessions around the world while China was taken over by the Communist regime, making Hong Kong a capitalist outpost in the heart of the Maoist Communism. As People's Republic of China plunged into chaotic mayhem of Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, Hong Kong transformed itself from a trade outpost into manufacturing center, later turning into banking and financial center, while politically, its citizens clamoured for democratization.
As China managed to shed its Maoist past and embarked on industrialization under Deng Xiaoping, the writing is on the wall for both the Communists, British, and the Hong Kongers, since the deadline of the lease period is nearing its end. While the Cold War was ending with communist regimes around the world toppled, in China, it is the other way around. The Tiananmen Square incident put a halt to China's economic liberalization and the regime's attitude toward Hong Kong hardened. Finally, the Handover proceeded as planned, although with hiccups here and there. As the Brits handed its final colony, the Chinese promised the Hong Kongers "One Country, Two Systems," as Hong Kong was allowed to continue its business as usual, a promise that, as recent history showed, steadily eroded as China's economy continues to grow and Hong Kong's prominence faded behind China's other cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou, eliminating the need for two systems.
As China managed to shed its Maoist past and embarked on industrialization under Deng Xiaoping, the writing is on the wall for both the Communists, British, and the Hong Kongers, since the deadline of the lease period is nearing its end. While the Cold War was ending with communist regimes around the world toppled, in China, it is the other way around. The Tiananmen Square incident put a halt to China's economic liberalization and the regime's attitude toward Hong Kong hardened. Finally, the Handover proceeded as planned, although with hiccups here and there. As the Brits handed its final colony, the Chinese promised the Hong Kongers "One Country, Two Systems," as Hong Kong was allowed to continue its business as usual, a promise that, as recent history showed, steadily eroded as China's economy continues to grow and Hong Kong's prominence faded behind China's other cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou, eliminating the need for two systems.
July 23, 2021
The problem with a volume of history for a rapidly evolving city like Hong Kong is that the book - through no fault of the author - is pretty much out of date as soon as it is published.
For me, Hong Kong began as an accident of history and ended as a tragedy, as is attested by the tragic events of the past several years. At the rate it is going, it looks as if Hong Kong, as we know it, has already ceased to exist. In no time, the once thriving and beautiful metropolis will become just another ugly Chinese city.
If there is to be another update for this excellent book, perhaps Professor Tsang could incorporate the recent tragic events to serve as a coda for Hong Kong. Moreover, I believe Tsang could also point out the role of the underground Chinese Communist Party that did so much to undermine British-Hong Kong, and continues to destroy the social fabric of Hong Kong.
"A Modern History of Hong Kong" is a must-read for all those interested in modern Asian history, or anyone who shares an abiding love for this once great city.
For me, Hong Kong began as an accident of history and ended as a tragedy, as is attested by the tragic events of the past several years. At the rate it is going, it looks as if Hong Kong, as we know it, has already ceased to exist. In no time, the once thriving and beautiful metropolis will become just another ugly Chinese city.
If there is to be another update for this excellent book, perhaps Professor Tsang could incorporate the recent tragic events to serve as a coda for Hong Kong. Moreover, I believe Tsang could also point out the role of the underground Chinese Communist Party that did so much to undermine British-Hong Kong, and continues to destroy the social fabric of Hong Kong.
"A Modern History of Hong Kong" is a must-read for all those interested in modern Asian history, or anyone who shares an abiding love for this once great city.
January 18, 2023
This is the history book on Hong Kong I've been looking for. I wanted one that would focus on the Chinese perspective and the Chinese people of Hong Kong and not only on the British. I don't need a boring list of British governors.
The book is also a fair assessment of the British government in Hong Kong. It does mention the racism toward Chinese people but it also talks about the benefits of the British governing philosophy of rule of law and a very hands-off approach to governing--giving people freedom of expression and freedom to live the life they wanted. Tsang says that this is actually the perfect Chinese style of governing.
The book is also a fair assessment of the British government in Hong Kong. It does mention the racism toward Chinese people but it also talks about the benefits of the British governing philosophy of rule of law and a very hands-off approach to governing--giving people freedom of expression and freedom to live the life they wanted. Tsang says that this is actually the perfect Chinese style of governing.
January 30, 2023
A good crash course into the geopolitical history of Hong Kong. Easy enough to understand but definitely written for academia.
The book did a great job of going into the surrounding forces that shaped Hong Kong through time. I felt grounded as a reader as the narrative took me through the decades.
Considering the interesting cast of characters (even the governors and colonial administrators in the political realm), I would be REALLY down to read a “popular” book of Hong Kong geopolitical history.
The book did a great job of going into the surrounding forces that shaped Hong Kong through time. I felt grounded as a reader as the narrative took me through the decades.
Considering the interesting cast of characters (even the governors and colonial administrators in the political realm), I would be REALLY down to read a “popular” book of Hong Kong geopolitical history.
July 19, 2025
Smooth and readable - I was initially turned off by Tsang’s decidedly pro British POV but I think this book is an interesting artifact of the handover period in Hong Kong. Gave a very comprehensive background. I disagree with some of the claims “Notwithstanding racial and other prejudices, particularly before 1945, the British courts generally treated the Chinese brought in front of them according to the law of the time” (200). The scholarship on its whole was reasonable albeit not without bias.
July 18, 2025
If you're a history nerd who wanders around Hong Kong going, "How the hell did this happen?" then this is the book for you. I was there for almost 3 months and never would have really understood how a city of Chinese immigrants became Hong Kongers without it. Much less how racist and exclusive the British were toward them until it was too late.
If you're looking for infotainment, this will probably bore you. No strong characters or memorable narratives to be found.
If you're looking for infotainment, this will probably bore you. No strong characters or memorable narratives to be found.
December 17, 2017
Thorough political history.
Good overview of Hong Kong's political history with a focus on the 1997 handover. I read this while visiting and enjoyed seeing a lot of the places mentioned such as the ICAC building. Where this book lacks is in the social and cultural aspect. I'm still looking for a good book with a cultural focus.
Good overview of Hong Kong's political history with a focus on the 1997 handover. I read this while visiting and enjoyed seeing a lot of the places mentioned such as the ICAC building. Where this book lacks is in the social and cultural aspect. I'm still looking for a good book with a cultural focus.
February 24, 2018
Read this for my thesis paper
Loved it! Provides a Hong Konger perspective on the matters of Hong Kong history and why it is a rather unique identity in the Growing world that revolves around China instead of Britain
Loved it! Provides a Hong Konger perspective on the matters of Hong Kong history and why it is a rather unique identity in the Growing world that revolves around China instead of Britain
November 2, 2024
I found this to be a really interesting read, as it's not something I really knew about before. I like that he tries to balance both sides, rather than being biased, and it's kind of crazy to me how the British approached colonialism/the ruling of other countries - a frustrating read in parts!
May 15, 2020
Good overview, though clearly sympathetic towards the British viewpoint.
September 1, 2023
I started reading this before Covid in 2019 and finished it last month because I was moving and wanted to sell the book . . . so yeah not really a page turner
August 26, 2011
Tsang presents a thorough picture of the development of Hong Kong into the unique polity it is today. It really could use another chapter or two about how the last few years of Chinese control have played out to be a truly "modern" history. If there is a future edition I hope the editor encourages Tsang to include an updated epilogue.
November 10, 2018
Painfully dull which is unforgivable considering the subject: adventurers, opium smugglers, Chinese gangsters, opportunists from every corner of the world, all squeezed into a tiny space and creating a thriving community which led Asian commerce for almost a century - it takes a very special kind of writer to manage to put you to sleep while telling that story!
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