This book offers the reformist perspective of one of the most persistent and outspoken constitutional reformers in China. Through the analysis of landmark constitutional events in China since the late nineteenth century, it reveals the fatal dilemma faced by constitutional reform and the deadly dangers of any violent revolution that arises out of the frustration with the repeated failures of reform. Although there is no easy way out of such a predicament, the book analyzes available resources in the existing system and suggests possible strategies that might bring success to future constitutional reforms.

‘A thought-provoking, engaging, and accessible treatment of the broad sweep of constitutional reform in modern China by one of China's leading constitutional and comparative constitutional scholars.’

Cheryl Saunders - Laureate Professor Emeritus, Melbourne Law School

‘By outlining China’s century-long history of constitution and enduring aspiration for constitutional democracy, Professor Zhang, a leading expert of the subject, has produced a holistic and insightful analysis of the fate of political reform and how a better polity may emerge and develop there. This book is also a powerful testimony of the wisdom, courage and resilience of Chinese intellectuals, activists and dissidents.’

Fei-Ling Wang - Georgia Institute of Technology, author of The China Race: Global Competition for Alternative World Orders (2024)

‘Professor Zhang Qianfan has long been one of China’s sharpest legal minds and a wonderfully erudite public intellectual, who treats the evolution and current trajectory of constitutional law in China with nuance, clarity, and courage. This book is a very welcome addition to China constitutional law scholarship in the English language and a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary Chinese law and politics.’

Eva Pils - Professor of Law, King's College London