If there have been serious questions about the continuing supremacy of the United States in the world, the election of Barack Obama has laid those doubts to rest, at least for now.
No change of government has enthused more people in more countries than the ascent of Senator Obama to power. The symbolism of the US electing its first black president, the victor's message of hope and change and his 'yes, we can' spirit transcend cultural and political boundaries.
Amid the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s, Senator Obama's success has brightened the mood of many around the world. Hong Kong is no exception.
Local Chinese-language newspapers gave prominent, and largely positive, coverage to his victory, with headlines quoting his catchphrases and his statement in his victory speech on Tuesday night that 'change has come to America'.
Few have underestimated the challenges facing the president-elect, who, in that speech, sought to manage expectations by saying it might take one year, or even one term, to get things done.
Still, Senator Obama's rise has demonstrated the sheer power of hope for change in the United States.