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East and West by Patten
From the last governor of Hong Kong, a controversial, astute, and thought-provoking analysis of the Asian phenomenon and the future of economic and political liberty in China and East Asia in the next century.
For Chris Patten, Hong Kong was an extraordinary vantage point from which to view the growing economic and political power of China and East Asia over the last five years. As a free colony of the British Empire and the apex of an economic success story, it benefited from the development of the Chinese economy as surely as it contributed to that economic miracle. In a political move which marked the twilight years of the Empire, Hong Kong was finally handed back to Communist China in June 1997. East and West is Chris Patten’s account of the current Asian phenomenon and an astute analysis of China as a rapidly growing world power.
The handover of Hong Kong challenged Britain’s liberal conscience. With China looming in the background, it was impossible to build a platform of independence and political democracy as had been constructed in other colonial territories. East and West focuses on Chris Patten’s key disputes with China over questions of democratic election, civil liberties, and Hong Kong’s independence; but, more importantly, it examines the larger picture of the Asian value system. Can you have economic change without political change? Can democratic rule guarantee fair play between economic competitors?
There can be no doubt that Asia is a potentially formidable competitor to Europe and the United States, but Communist China lies at the heart of Asian development. In his intelligent and thought-provoking book, Chris Patten examines the implications of China’s economic reforms and sets out the key political agendas for the future – not only for the East, but also for the West.
For Chris Patten, Hong Kong was an extraordinary vantage point from which to view the growing economic and political power of China and East Asia over the last five years. As a free colony of the British Empire and the apex of an economic success story, it benefited from the development of the Chinese economy as surely as it contributed to that economic miracle. In a political move which marked the twilight years of the Empire, Hong Kong was finally handed back to Communist China in June 1997. East and West is Chris Patten’s account of the current Asian phenomenon and an astute analysis of China as a rapidly growing world power.
The handover of Hong Kong challenged Britain’s liberal conscience. With China looming in the background, it was impossible to build a platform of independence and political democracy as had been constructed in other colonial territories. East and West focuses on Chris Patten’s key disputes with China over questions of democratic election, civil liberties, and Hong Kong’s independence; but, more importantly, it examines the larger picture of the Asian value system. Can you have economic change without political change? Can democratic rule guarantee fair play between economic competitors?
There can be no doubt that Asia is a potentially formidable competitor to Europe and the United States, but Communist China lies at the heart of Asian development. In his intelligent and thought-provoking book, Chris Patten examines the implications of China’s economic reforms and sets out the key political agendas for the future – not only for the East, but also for the West.
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
33 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Chris Patten
25 books40 followersChristopher Francis Patten, Baron Patten of Barnes, CH
Graduate of Balliol College, University Oxford (1965).
Among his services, appointments, and honors, he served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Bath (1979-1992), Minister for Overseas Development at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (1986-1989), Secretary of State for the Environment (1989-1992), Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1990-1992), Chairman of the Conservative Party (1990-1992), the last Governor of Hong Kong (1992-1997), appointed a Companion of Honour (CH) by Queen Elizabeth II (1998), Chairman of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (1998-1999), Chancellor of Newcastle University (1999-2009), 1999, appointed as one of the UK's two members to the European Commission (1999) and served as Commissioner for External Relations, appointed the European Union's High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (2000-2004), received an honorary LL.D. degree from the University of Bath (2003), Chancellor of the University of Oxford (2003- ), elected a Distinguished Honorary Fellow of Massey College, University of Toronto (2005), received an honorary D.S.Litt. degree from the University of Trinity College, University of Toronto (2005), Toronto, an honorary D.Litt. degree from the University of Ulster (2005), and in 2005 he was also honored with a life peerage as Baron Patten of Barnes, of Barnes in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, as a Roman Catholic he played a vital role overseeing the visit of Pope Benedict XVI's to the UK (2010), and served as Chairman of the BBC Trust (2011-2014).
Graduate of Balliol College, University Oxford (1965).
Among his services, appointments, and honors, he served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Bath (1979-1992), Minister for Overseas Development at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (1986-1989), Secretary of State for the Environment (1989-1992), Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1990-1992), Chairman of the Conservative Party (1990-1992), the last Governor of Hong Kong (1992-1997), appointed a Companion of Honour (CH) by Queen Elizabeth II (1998), Chairman of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (1998-1999), Chancellor of Newcastle University (1999-2009), 1999, appointed as one of the UK's two members to the European Commission (1999) and served as Commissioner for External Relations, appointed the European Union's High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (2000-2004), received an honorary LL.D. degree from the University of Bath (2003), Chancellor of the University of Oxford (2003- ), elected a Distinguished Honorary Fellow of Massey College, University of Toronto (2005), received an honorary D.S.Litt. degree from the University of Trinity College, University of Toronto (2005), Toronto, an honorary D.Litt. degree from the University of Ulster (2005), and in 2005 he was also honored with a life peerage as Baron Patten of Barnes, of Barnes in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, as a Roman Catholic he played a vital role overseeing the visit of Pope Benedict XVI's to the UK (2010), and served as Chairman of the BBC Trust (2011-2014).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 24, 2009
When my wife, Pam, and I first moved, more or less permanently to Hong Kong, Chris Patten was the newly appointed and last Governor. I think we both missed much of the drama that was evident in the five years he was here. We were too focused on our jobs and figuring out how to live in this incredible city.
Reading his memoir and advice, 12 years after the handover and 10 years after publication of this book, was a much needed trip down memory lane and a much needed reminder of how China operates and what is needed to successfully deal with her politicians and to a certain extent her business people.
Patten writes with a nice light touch and understated humor. He is humble in the extreme but also unafraid of presenting his ideas and his principles.
He starts with a quick three chapter summary of his years as Governor. He makes no bones about the difficulties he had dealing with Beijing, or as he continues to call it, "Peking". He also chronicles the difficulties he had with his own government, particularly the foreign office and some economic advisers.
He was determined to introduce as much democracy as he could during his tenure, within the structure of the Joint Agreement between China and England. it was an effort neither Beijing nor previous Hong Kong governors and bureaucrats necessarily appreciated.
It made for fascinating reading and made me realize how much of what was going on politically in Hong Kong from 1992-1997 that I totally missed.
In the middle three chapters, a section titled "The View From Hong Kong", he takes on what he thinks are the mistaken impressions of most people when looking at the recent economic success of China and the so-called Tiger Economies. He believes that economic progress can only be sustained where there is political freedom. He refutes the idea that "Asian Values" usually ascribed to Confucius and others and favoring a more authoritarian political climate are really what all Asians believe or are effective at promoting long term economic growth.
In the last section, "Looking to the Future" he makes a compelling case for political liberalism and support for human rights. He also suggests that the way to deal with China is not to kowtow and buy the illusion that real politik in China is different than anywhere else but rather to deal with China as you would with any other emerging power, straightforward and from a position of principle leavened with pragmatism. He shows how the Chinese uses Western myths about China to manipulate the diplomatic process in their favor.
I enjoyed the first part of the book more than the latter parts. I suspect because it covered history that I had lived through. The rest of the book, though is well worth the time spent and should be required reading for anyone interested in how things really work in Asia.
Reading his memoir and advice, 12 years after the handover and 10 years after publication of this book, was a much needed trip down memory lane and a much needed reminder of how China operates and what is needed to successfully deal with her politicians and to a certain extent her business people.
Patten writes with a nice light touch and understated humor. He is humble in the extreme but also unafraid of presenting his ideas and his principles.
He starts with a quick three chapter summary of his years as Governor. He makes no bones about the difficulties he had dealing with Beijing, or as he continues to call it, "Peking". He also chronicles the difficulties he had with his own government, particularly the foreign office and some economic advisers.
He was determined to introduce as much democracy as he could during his tenure, within the structure of the Joint Agreement between China and England. it was an effort neither Beijing nor previous Hong Kong governors and bureaucrats necessarily appreciated.
It made for fascinating reading and made me realize how much of what was going on politically in Hong Kong from 1992-1997 that I totally missed.
In the middle three chapters, a section titled "The View From Hong Kong", he takes on what he thinks are the mistaken impressions of most people when looking at the recent economic success of China and the so-called Tiger Economies. He believes that economic progress can only be sustained where there is political freedom. He refutes the idea that "Asian Values" usually ascribed to Confucius and others and favoring a more authoritarian political climate are really what all Asians believe or are effective at promoting long term economic growth.
In the last section, "Looking to the Future" he makes a compelling case for political liberalism and support for human rights. He also suggests that the way to deal with China is not to kowtow and buy the illusion that real politik in China is different than anywhere else but rather to deal with China as you would with any other emerging power, straightforward and from a position of principle leavened with pragmatism. He shows how the Chinese uses Western myths about China to manipulate the diplomatic process in their favor.
I enjoyed the first part of the book more than the latter parts. I suspect because it covered history that I had lived through. The rest of the book, though is well worth the time spent and should be required reading for anyone interested in how things really work in Asia.
December 17, 2022
This seems to be a Spanish version of East and West. It’s a series of essays on Hong Kong, the handover to China and more widely on economic development, culture and even history. There’s a smattering of contemporary journalism as well. These disparate essays have been collected together and published within a single cover, but one feels that they were perhaps never intended to be placed thus. There are repetitive aspects, and a number of the essays cover similar ground.
The book is worth reading, however, because it covers a unique event in world history, that being a transfer of power in an extremely rich enclave of empire to a competing nation by constitutional means. There have been transfers od territory, but not when they formed such a lucrative part of the economy of the ceding power. And such transfers rarely take place between interests that are self-declared ideological enemies.
If anything, the sections on the assumptions made for the future of Europe make the most interesting reading. Chris Patten seems not to countenance a time when the United Kingdom would not be part of the European Union. Yes, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet era more generally is given the nod via Francis Fukuyama’s end of history concept. And yes, the existence of eastern European states keen to participate in the market system is seen as an opportunity. But here in 2022 when the UK is no longer in the EU and Russia is at war in Ukraine makes the view of the nineteen nineties seem rather complacent. This in not a criticism of the author, because it’s the way we all thought then. As for Francis Fukuyama’s End Of History, declared because battles over ideology appeared to have been settled, one can only muse that the notion of competition, on which is based the entire system of market relations, gives rise to individual political inflation that become ideological.
But what stands out about the book is the analysis and description of China and its role in the global economy. Chris Patten regularly refers to Japan as the economically greater power in east Asia and there is little suggestion that this might soon change. The era of Deng Xiao Ping’s reforms had already begun, but it was a process that was underway, rather than already making major changes to the society. It was Hong Kong that was the prize. But then, I might have missed some of the detail, because I read the Spanish edition.
The book is worth reading, however, because it covers a unique event in world history, that being a transfer of power in an extremely rich enclave of empire to a competing nation by constitutional means. There have been transfers od territory, but not when they formed such a lucrative part of the economy of the ceding power. And such transfers rarely take place between interests that are self-declared ideological enemies.
If anything, the sections on the assumptions made for the future of Europe make the most interesting reading. Chris Patten seems not to countenance a time when the United Kingdom would not be part of the European Union. Yes, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet era more generally is given the nod via Francis Fukuyama’s end of history concept. And yes, the existence of eastern European states keen to participate in the market system is seen as an opportunity. But here in 2022 when the UK is no longer in the EU and Russia is at war in Ukraine makes the view of the nineteen nineties seem rather complacent. This in not a criticism of the author, because it’s the way we all thought then. As for Francis Fukuyama’s End Of History, declared because battles over ideology appeared to have been settled, one can only muse that the notion of competition, on which is based the entire system of market relations, gives rise to individual political inflation that become ideological.
But what stands out about the book is the analysis and description of China and its role in the global economy. Chris Patten regularly refers to Japan as the economically greater power in east Asia and there is little suggestion that this might soon change. The era of Deng Xiao Ping’s reforms had already begun, but it was a process that was underway, rather than already making major changes to the society. It was Hong Kong that was the prize. But then, I might have missed some of the detail, because I read the Spanish edition.
July 24, 2021
While it's easy to pick faults with a book written fifteen years ago, much of what Patten writes regarding the West, Asia/China and world politics is as resounding as it was the day the ink touched the page.
March 29, 2017
I did a quick reread, now 20 years on, and although this is really an excellent book, I feel very far away from East/West politics. "The Last Governor" writes thoughtfully, respectfully, and honestly, with humility based on personal experience. This is an important read for anyone involved in International relations.
October 12, 2014
A particularly fascinating read, especially when considering the current student protests happening in Hong Kong. Patten provides a unique insight into the pre-handover period and the uphill struggle of negotiating with 'Peking'. Over the course of 150 years of British rule, it wasn't until 1984 that the idea of electing a Chief Executive was spoken about. Previously the British government appointed a governor with not an ounce of democracy present. Now protestors sprawl the streets of Hong Kong demanding the promise of universal suffrage by 2017 to be upheld, a concept that was suggested by Patten as an avid democrat and someone who is still very much respected in the East.
In a previous job I remember our IT manager, who couldn't speak a word of English if I needed help with IT, leading me to his office and proudly showing me a framed photograph of his team with Lord Patten. He exclaimed in a very excited voice; "Chris Patten very good. Chris Patten like Hong Kong." I tried to explain that I'd also met the politician during my time at school, where we'd had a discussion about film. My new friend grinned back at me and repeated; "Chris Patten very good. Chris Patten like Hong Kong."
In a previous job I remember our IT manager, who couldn't speak a word of English if I needed help with IT, leading me to his office and proudly showing me a framed photograph of his team with Lord Patten. He exclaimed in a very excited voice; "Chris Patten very good. Chris Patten like Hong Kong." I tried to explain that I'd also met the politician during my time at school, where we'd had a discussion about film. My new friend grinned back at me and repeated; "Chris Patten very good. Chris Patten like Hong Kong."
January 21, 2018
The first part of this book is pretty good because Chris Patten got into a lot of details on what happened between 1984 and 1997. In short, the British took Hong Kong because of Chinese trade and they gave up on Hong Kong also because of Chinese trade. The British believed they only managed to keep Hong Kong at the Communists' mercy. They were quite pessimistic in general. I particularly like his analysis on how to do business in China in the latter chapters. Foreign businesses should not kowtow in order to enter China. If you have something that China needs, the Chinese will come to you. If you don't have something that they need, you will have no business even if you beg the Chinese for it.
The second part of the book, which Patten talked about Asia in the 90s, is not very relevant anymore.
The second part of the book, which Patten talked about Asia in the 90s, is not very relevant anymore.
May 24, 2025
The memoir aspect of the book, detailing how Patten went from party leader to losing his Member of Parliament seat and then getting appointed governor during the last years of HK - that part is interesting. These truly were unique circumstances - how many other human beings were given a job to preside over a peaceful handover of authority affecting directly millions of people? It's also interesting to see how important Hong Kong was to China at that point - 25% of China's GDP as opposed to less than 2% now.
The second part of the book where there's a lot of international relations analysis and predictions - that has not proven prescient. To be fair, China's rise has been pretty unprecedented. But still, there's limited value in reading 30 years later about predictions that were so far off.
The second part of the book where there's a lot of international relations analysis and predictions - that has not proven prescient. To be fair, China's rise has been pretty unprecedented. But still, there's limited value in reading 30 years later about predictions that were so far off.
September 30, 2025
I was attracted to this book since Chris Patten was the last governor of Hong Kong, and it had the potential to cover the interesting topic of the handover of the colony to China.
However, I found it difficult to become involved in the book. I find it difficult to know why this should be, perhaps the style of writing did not appeal or perhaps because Chris Patten used the book to go off at a tangent and also expound his views on the benefits of free market economics – which I don’t disagree with. However, the outcome was in the end I lost interest in the book and stopped reading it halfway through.
However, I found it difficult to become involved in the book. I find it difficult to know why this should be, perhaps the style of writing did not appeal or perhaps because Chris Patten used the book to go off at a tangent and also expound his views on the benefits of free market economics – which I don’t disagree with. However, the outcome was in the end I lost interest in the book and stopped reading it halfway through.
December 1, 2021
Having lived in HK and enjoyed its fascinating blend of east and west, I found the topic is irresistible. I was keen to learn about what happened during the final years of British rule and the experience of the last governor from himself. I was also hoping to understand why a democratic system was not implemented in HK during the long rein of the British. For these two accounts, I was disappointed that I failed to learn much. The book seems full of opinions, but very light on facts.
August 24, 2018
Such a poorly written and structured book by someone who you might think to be more clear thinking and erudite. Worth a read (maybe not all of it) just to see how badly some of these top guys can express themselves... and by implication how badly we might be led. Gave my copy to charity so you might find it there.
July 15, 2018
Very logical arguments for liberal economics written in an approachable, conversational tone. Although dated, this is a great book for learning about how views on the separation of trade and politics has changed over time.
December 16, 2019
Amazingly relevant insight into the state of Hong Kong for a book written in the 20th century. Especially the first half of the book.
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March 24, 2025This book is a piece of shit filled with countless lies.
Read
March 24, 2025The book does not follow realistic logic. It is all fabricated.
March 27, 2025
This book is all fiction and the content is rubbish
February 24, 2019
傲慢与直率。三分之二是政治哲学上的讨论
October 7, 2021
In this well thought out, well argued and well written book, Mr. Patten makes a strong case for a liberal democratic government, something he obviously believes in.
As I read this excellent volume, I cannot help but wonder how the author would write the same book today? In the last two years, China has dropped any pretence at being a responsible member of the community of nations. Hong Kong, which under British rule, was not a democracy, but one of the freest cities in the world, where citizens used to be able to voice any views, and the vibrant, sometimes boisterous press, would be there to report them. Today's Hong Kong is a police state where one could be incarcerated for saying the wrong things, wearing the wrong colours, joining the wrong organizations, or thinking the wrong thoughts.
1997 was the first time in history when Britain leaves a former colony, not so that its citizens could have an opportunity at self-determination, but handing it over to a suspicious (evildoers are invariably suspicious), murderous dictatorship that has scant respect for human rights and personal freedom.
What would the future hold for Hong Kong? Indeed, what would the future hold for China? Will nations of the free world continue to sit on their hands while China acts with impunity?
Certainly these are questions without clear answers, but the mere process of speculation certainly makes for fascinating debates.
Even now, as it becomes crystal clear that the so-called "One Country, Two Systems" promise is nothing but a big lie, put forth to placate the people of Hong Kong, faced with the inevitable, I believe Mr. Patten did his very best, under the what must have been impossible political conditions, and facing criticism from all sides. I hope that history, and the people of Hong Kong, will judge him fairly and generously.
As I read this excellent volume, I cannot help but wonder how the author would write the same book today? In the last two years, China has dropped any pretence at being a responsible member of the community of nations. Hong Kong, which under British rule, was not a democracy, but one of the freest cities in the world, where citizens used to be able to voice any views, and the vibrant, sometimes boisterous press, would be there to report them. Today's Hong Kong is a police state where one could be incarcerated for saying the wrong things, wearing the wrong colours, joining the wrong organizations, or thinking the wrong thoughts.
1997 was the first time in history when Britain leaves a former colony, not so that its citizens could have an opportunity at self-determination, but handing it over to a suspicious (evildoers are invariably suspicious), murderous dictatorship that has scant respect for human rights and personal freedom.
What would the future hold for Hong Kong? Indeed, what would the future hold for China? Will nations of the free world continue to sit on their hands while China acts with impunity?
Certainly these are questions without clear answers, but the mere process of speculation certainly makes for fascinating debates.
Even now, as it becomes crystal clear that the so-called "One Country, Two Systems" promise is nothing but a big lie, put forth to placate the people of Hong Kong, faced with the inevitable, I believe Mr. Patten did his very best, under the what must have been impossible political conditions, and facing criticism from all sides. I hope that history, and the people of Hong Kong, will judge him fairly and generously.
January 30, 2022
The first part of the book is about Chris Patten's experience in governing Hong Kong. He did broaden the democracy structure in 1995 Hong Kong Legco Election, and as a result, being criticised by CCP government as "a sinner condemned for a thousand generations". His experience of negotiation and confrontation with CCP in those days should provide a valuable reference to any politician dealing with the CCP government. While western politician believe they should consider Chinese 'face', and believe 'China is unique' etc, Chris Patten pointed out "he has never heard this said to the same extent about any other country" including Soviet Union.
Even if you care about Chinese 'face', it doesn't necessarily lead you to the ideal result:
//A Hong Kong businessman who began his meeting with Li Peng by telling him that he was the greatest leader of the Chinese Communist Party since Mao was interrupted by the then premier with the tart reminder that he was not in fact the leader of the Communist Party. What the Cantonese call 'shoeshining' left many senior Chinese officials with sparkling toecaps their meetings with Hong Kong business delegations// (p.88)
The second part and the third part is his view on Asian Values, Free Market, Globalisation, which may be a little bit boring and less relevant more than 20+ years later. And I did skipped chapter 7 and 8 and then finished reading the chapter 9 on "China and the West".
Overall I think the first part of the book is 4/5, and the later part of the book is 3/5.
Even if you care about Chinese 'face', it doesn't necessarily lead you to the ideal result:
//A Hong Kong businessman who began his meeting with Li Peng by telling him that he was the greatest leader of the Chinese Communist Party since Mao was interrupted by the then premier with the tart reminder that he was not in fact the leader of the Communist Party. What the Cantonese call 'shoeshining' left many senior Chinese officials with sparkling toecaps their meetings with Hong Kong business delegations// (p.88)
The second part and the third part is his view on Asian Values, Free Market, Globalisation, which may be a little bit boring and less relevant more than 20+ years later. And I did skipped chapter 7 and 8 and then finished reading the chapter 9 on "China and the West".
Overall I think the first part of the book is 4/5, and the later part of the book is 3/5.
September 5, 2016
Intelligent, erudite and brimful of fascinating insights, Chris Patten's part-memoir, part-political treatise East and West offers a very worthwhile exploration of Hong Kongnese and global geopolitics at the turn of the century. Although I would place myself somewhat at the opposite end of the political spectrum to the conservative (although euro-positive and socially-aware) Patten, his account of his time as the last governor of Hong Kong, and his views on modern politics and economics are well worth a read for anyone of any political persuasion.
Though he may have been proved wrong regarding his views on China's potential for economic growth over the past decade, Patten's arguments on what Western and Eastern states can learn from one another, how they should approach one another, and how we, as culturally-diverse nation-states and economic blocs, should attempt to influence the practices of other nations that we may not agree with, are well-reasoned and based on years of experience of the realities of geopolitics and international trade.
I do not agree with every suggestion offered or conclusion posited by the former governor - far from it - but one should always seek out the best-educated and most-cogent of those who espouse politics opposed to our own, and Patten certainly fulfills both of thoese requirements.
Though he may have been proved wrong regarding his views on China's potential for economic growth over the past decade, Patten's arguments on what Western and Eastern states can learn from one another, how they should approach one another, and how we, as culturally-diverse nation-states and economic blocs, should attempt to influence the practices of other nations that we may not agree with, are well-reasoned and based on years of experience of the realities of geopolitics and international trade.
I do not agree with every suggestion offered or conclusion posited by the former governor - far from it - but one should always seek out the best-educated and most-cogent of those who espouse politics opposed to our own, and Patten certainly fulfills both of thoese requirements.
September 12, 2008
Ten years after the Hong Kong Handover I decided to read Chris Patten’s East and West, written after he left Hong Kong in 1997. Interesting, but difficult to say whether it was good or not as it’s so dated. It felt like he was going on and on about things that were obvious, like why capitalism is superior to socialism. But this was pre-Blairism and I suppose these arguments did need to be spelt out. He’s extremely critical of China, and I do like his plainspoken style. The Tiananmen killings are refered to as just that - killings, or sometimes murders. He condemns a businessman who calls it the Tiananmen kerfuffle. Anyway I trudged through it, because I hate not finishing a book. The best chapter was the one on Hong Kong. Even though I lived through these events (Patten and I arrived in HK in the same week in 1992) they take on a shape in a historical context, in a way that they didn’t at the time.
October 22, 2019
I found this book by chance in a used book store and given the current political climate in Hong Kong decided to take a chance on it.
Chris Patten was the last British Governor of Hong Kong and the world watched as he sat in the rain and the British flag was lowered in Hong Kong in 1997. At the time of his appointment though, his job was to oversee the negotiations with China foremost of which of course was the decree of ‘one country two systems.’ As a Taiwan born Australian this is especially interesting for me to look at in the context of reunification with the mainland (which I will adamantly stress that I am staunchly pro-Taiwan independence).
It’s interesting to look back on those last few years in light of the current situation. While hardly surprising to me that China tried underhanded tactics in order to curtail any notion of having relative freedom, it did surprise me that they even stooped much lower than even I had thought.
Chris Patten was the last British Governor of Hong Kong and the world watched as he sat in the rain and the British flag was lowered in Hong Kong in 1997. At the time of his appointment though, his job was to oversee the negotiations with China foremost of which of course was the decree of ‘one country two systems.’ As a Taiwan born Australian this is especially interesting for me to look at in the context of reunification with the mainland (which I will adamantly stress that I am staunchly pro-Taiwan independence).
It’s interesting to look back on those last few years in light of the current situation. While hardly surprising to me that China tried underhanded tactics in order to curtail any notion of having relative freedom, it did surprise me that they even stooped much lower than even I had thought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2011
Being the last govenor of Hong Kong Chis Patten is in the perfect position to analyse the way in which the Chinese govenrment functions and the way the rest of the international community kowtow's to them even while grumbling about their human rights practices. What makes this book more remarkable is that China tried to prevent it from being published by putting pressure on media groups who also wanted to break into the Chinese market. It is with great relief that it was produced as the insights its gives are invaluable and this book should be read by all those who deal with China either on a diplomatic or a buisiness level. Although I struggled at times to understand the political workings Patten discusses I still found it interesting and would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Chinese governance.
October 22, 2008
Thought, at one stage, that Chris Patten may have become a leader of the Tory Party. Also thought he was a reasonable sort of bloke. But it turns out that he was pretty much like most Tories - a stuck up tosser that only cares for those with money or those making it.
September 4, 2010
the first quarter deals with patted's stint as governor of Hong Kong, and this part is indeed fascinating. the remainder of the book however deals with his political values and this is far less interesting - possibly because I completely agree with them :-)
September 22, 2007
Probably the best book on East/West market relationships and Asian economies I will ever read. Probably the only one I will ever read too.
April 5, 2008
Whilst obviously dated, I like Patten's style and his description of the political issues that he faced in his tenure was an interesting accompaniment to a trip to HK.
December 15, 2011
I wanted to like this book, but find that, surprisingly, Patten really cannot write very well.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews