Be water. It was the philosophy of one of Hong Kong's most beloved adapted sons, the legendary martial arts master Bruce Lee. It conjures up grace, adaptability, resilience. Adopted by the movement that welled up in 2019 against an unpopular government bill, it proved stunningly effective in keeping the protesters one step ahead of the authorities. But making no headway against the Hong Kong government and the powers in Beijing, the movement called on another elemental force. Fire. Whether in defense or attack, the citywide use of lighted barricades and petrol bombs made clear that this was a movement unprecedented in both resolve and desperation. This book chronicles Hong Kong's unforgettable year of water and fire. It tells the story so far of an ongoing struggle between competing visions, loyalties, and generations, against the backdrop of a "one country, two systems" model whose inherent ambiguities are catching up with China's rebel city. Book jacket.
