China’s “Autonomous” Cities (Routledge Contemporary China Series)

This book explores the constitutional evolution of Hong Kong and Macau as Beijing asserts "comprehensive jurisdiction" over both Special Administrative Regions, compelling them to align with the national agenda of security, patriotic education, and Mainland integration.

The book delivers a comparative study of Hong Kong alongside its "younger sibling" Macau – just 3% of its land size and 38 miles away – where, unlike their Hong Kong counterparts, Macau's residents have been politically quiescent and street protests remain rare. It examines Hong Kong’s notable judicial autonomy, particularly in advancing gay rights, and the dramatic expansion of national security laws in both cities, with enforcement concentrated in Hong Kong. Readers gain critical insights into the differing levels of political quiescence and judicial independence between the two territories, as Beijing reshapes them under a unified framework of central control.

China’s “Autonomous” Cities is essential reading for students and scholars of Chinese politics, comparative constitutional law, and East Asian studies, as well as policymakers and analysts focused on Hong Kong, Macau, and China's governance strategies.

Po Jen Yap is Professor of Law at The University of Hong Kong.

Han Zhu is Research Assistant Professor at The University of Hong Kong.

Shiling Xiao is Lecturer in Public Law at the University of Manchester.