Armaëlle Bonneau

Please tell us about your research project.

My PhD project examines relations between France and the former British colony of Hong Kong from the 1950s to the 1980s. This period corresponds to the Cold War  which dynamics unfolded in a particularly distinctive manner in Hong Kong, whose stability rested on a negotiated balance of power in East Asia. The project investigates how Hong Kong became a focal point of interest for a range of French actors, including diplomats, businesspeople, politicians, and Sinologists. In doing so, it explores how these actors, through their interactions not only with the French government but also with the Hong Kong administration, local elites, the wider population, and other foreign actors, contributed to shaping international understandings of the “Hong Kong question.” This issue has most often been examined through the bilateral framework of relations between the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China, whereas this project seeks to highlight the broader range of actors and perspectives involved in its construction.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?

My visit to the Maison Française d’Oxford (MFO) has been made possible through its monthly scholarship scheme, which provides accommodation at the MFO as well as full access to the Bodleian Libraries. Archival materials held in the Bodleian Archives and Manuscripts collections, including interviews with former officials and personal papers, provide a deeper understanding of the historical and political context that has shaped relations between France and Hong Kong. Access to the Bodleian Libraries also enables me to consult the latest publications in Hong Kong Studies, helping to ground my research in this dynamic field.

This stay also provides an opportunity to reconnect with fellow PhD students whom I previously met at international conferences, while also meeting new researchers.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?

Oxford is exactly as I imagined it would be, and even more. Its atmosphere is truly unique, blending a strong academic spirit with a rich historical heritage and a vibrant international community. Every college, library, and street seems to tell a story, making the city both inspiring and intellectually stimulating. It is a place that encourages curiosity, reflection, and scholarly pursuit, creating an ideal environment for researching and writing a thesis.