Defying the Dragon

'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.' -- Joshua Wong, Hong Kong's most famous democracy advocate '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.' -- Philip Sherwell, Asia correspondent, The Sunday Times '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.' -- Lord Chris Patten, last British governor of Hong Kong '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.' -- Nathan Law, leading democracy activist '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.' -- — Sharon Hom, Executive Director of Human Rights in China and Adjunct Professor, New York University 'Written with honesty and integrity, [Defying the Dragon] chronicles a critical moment in Hong Kong’s history as the city prepares for an unclear future.' -- Post Magazine