Hongkong, the last night of British rulership. Detective Inspector Lee, close friend to Consul Han Solon, manages to prevent precious pieces of China's history from being smuggled out of the country. Two years later - Consul Han is living in Los Angeles with his family - Crime Lord Juntao takes revenge on him by abducting his young daughter Soo Yung. Han wants Detective Inspector Lee to aid the case, but the FBI does not want interference from any other sources. Consul Han has Detective Inspector Lee flown in from Hongkong to assist them. But the FBI request help from LAPD, who are glad to get rid of Detective James Carter for a while, a big-mouthed work-alone cop who just can't be cool enough. His assignment is to keep Detective Inspector Lee as far away from trouble as possible. Carter and Lee don't like being put aside in that way and start working the case on their own.