Defying the Dragon
Hong Kong and the World’s Largest Dictatorship
Defying the Dragon tells a remarkable story of audacity: of how the people of Hong Kong challenged the PRC’s authority, just as its president reached the height of his powers.
Stephen Vines has lived in Hong Kong for over three decades. His book unpacks the Hong Kong–China relationship and its wider significance—right up to the astonishing convergence of political turmoil and international crisis with Covid-19 and the 2020–21 crackdown.
Vividly describing the uprising from street level and with unique access to the major players, Vines explains how and why it unfolded and its global repercussions. The book shows why the international community is reassessing relations with Beijing in the light of Hong Kong’s rebellion and China’s handling of the pandemic. In a crisis that has become existential, what lies ahead for Hong Kong, China and the world?
Breaking new ground the book traces the connections to the Chinese leadership’s personal wealth vested in Hong Kong to explain why there was no military intervention to put down the uprising.
Using the author’s first hand knowledge of the main players in this story Vines provides a unique who who’s guide, alongside an extensive timeline of events.
UK publication date: March 25th 2021
Available in the US from May 11th 2021, distributed by Oxford University Press.
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Praise for the book
A detailed chronicle of Hong Kong’s fight in the face of repression. Anyone who cares about Hong Kong and China will definitely want to read this book.’
A superb book about Beijing’s ruthless and depressing efforts to stamp out Hong Kong’s freedoms, erode its rule of law and attack its identity as an open society. Vines, a brave and distinguished journalist, sets this sad story of a great international city within the brutal politics of the Chinese regime.
One of the most important stories of our times of the fight against authoritarian regimes. The best way to understand China is through the lens of Hong Kong’s struggles.
A definitive, compelling account of a drama that has gripped the world. Vines interweaves frontline reporting, insights from key players and a local’s knowledge to chronicle Hong Kong’s defiant challenge to the might of Xi Jinping’s China.
A compelling narrative set against two major crises facing China —control of Hong Kong and unprecedented international pushback. With his signature dry wit and razor-sharp pen, Vines skewers Quislings, dysfunctional bureaucracies and self-interested elites, arguing that we shouldn’t bet against Hongkongers just yet.