The Gate to China

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A delightful piece of writing and research that captures the remarkable history behind the handover of a unique city. This superb new history details the rise of China and the fall of Hong Kong to authoritarian rule, offering unique insights through Michael Sheridan’s eyewitness reporting over three decades, interviews with key figures, and archival documents from both China and the West. The narrative spans from the early days of trade and the Opium Wars to globalization and the handover from Britain to China, culminating in the struggle for democracy in Hong Kong and the Chinese Communist Party's ultimate victory. The book reveals the private anguish of Margaret Thatcher regarding Hong Kong's fate, her secret American briefings on handling China, and the complexities of her adviser’s loyalties. The deal made with Beijing proved fragile. The Chinese perspective, often overlooked, is illuminated through memoirs and documents, showcasing the party's resolute negotiating tactics. Yet, the voices of Hong Kong residents—articulate and courageous—persist in advocating for ideals that refuse to fade. Sheridan's work illustrates how Hong Kong paved the way for the People's Republic, reshaping its economy and challenging the West, raising essential questions about progress, identity, and freedom. This is critical reading for anyone engaged with China.