Reflection(s) on “administrative absorption of politics” -- Silent Bitterness -- Kowloon Walled City and the University of Hong Kong -- The Art of Empire -- Oceanic Thinking from a Continental Base -- Sovereignty: Between the Path of Benevolence and Hegemony -- The Origin of “One Country, Two Systems” -- The “One Country” Conundrum: Country vs. State -- The “One Country” Conundrum: China vs. Empire -- The Form and Nature of the Basic Law -- Departure: From Gradual Transition to Radical Revolution -- Contest: between Politics and Law -- China’s Melancholy -- Postscript.This book differs from most others of its kind, by looking at the Hong Kong issue from China’s perspective, which in turn mirrors China’s own situation. Through a legal lens, the author conducts a political and cultural examination of the past and the present, and provides a comprehensive overview of the many theories and problems concerning Hong Kong. Including reflections on the theory of administrative absorption of politics, a historical review of “one country, two systems” and an analysis of the form and nature of the Basic Law, it offers a valuable reference resource for studying the historical, political and legal context of Hong Kong under the principle of “one country, two systems”. Instead of over-simplifying the issue of Hong Kong or only seeing it as a Chinese regional issue, the book regards it as a central Chinese issue and the key to understanding China.