A TALE OF TWO BORDERS. SEPARATION AND EXCHANGE : MACAO’S AND HONG KONG’S BORDERS WITH MAINLAND兩個邊境的經歷 ─ 分離與交流：澳門，香港邊境與大陸 (第一部分)
This article examines the unique political and spatial dynamics of the borders separating the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Macao and Hong Kong from Mainland China. Positioned within the field of political geography, the study explores how these boundaries function under a framework of "a...
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| Published in: | Review of Culture |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Articles |
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Instituto Cultural de Macau
January 2004
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| Online Access: | https://www.icm.gov.mo/rc/viewer/pdfViewerParts/40009/3865 |
| Summary: | This article examines the unique political and spatial dynamics of the borders separating the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Macao and Hong Kong from Mainland China. Positioned within the field of political geography, the study explores how these boundaries function under a framework of "ambiguous sovereignty"—a state where sovereignty is uncontested yet de facto shared through the SARs’ jurisdictional, administrative, and fiscal autonomy. The author highlights the paradox of these borders: they are heavily fortified internal boundaries that nonetheless rank among the most permeable in the world, characterized by a fixed "expiry date" following the 1997 and 1999 transitions. By comparing the historical and contemporary experiences of both territories, the article analyzes how these borders serve as social and political constructs that shape regional identities, land-use patterns, and spatial structures. Special attention is given to Macao’s long history of pragmatic administrative compromises and shared sovereignty. Ultimately, the paper argues that the transitional nature of these boundaries provides a unique case study in the evolution of territoriality, reflecting broader global trends where traditional nation-state concepts are increasingly challenged by regional complexities. |
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| ISSN: | 1682-1106 |