This book challenges traditional concepts of the British colonial government and its attitude towards communist China, and debates surrounding Britain's colonial past.
"There is still a fair bit of nostalgia in Hong Kong for British colonialism that ended in 1997. This book provides an essential reminder of the coloniser's purpose and shifting interests. The 1956 riot, now a distant event, is brought back to life by Rohan Price. He has dissected it by focussing on British duplicity - it was always about what was best for the colonial master". - Christine Loh Kung-wai, former Hong Kong Undersecretary for the Environment and author of Underground Front (Hong Kong University Press)
