There have been many highlights in Donald Tsang Yam-kuen's long career as a servant of his superiors, British and Chinese - but last week was outstanding. At this time of growing unease in Hong Kong over the recession, there he was again in Beijing to get a pat on the head from President Hu Jintao .
Last Saturday's South China Morning Post front-page picture of a grinning 'Santa' Tsang shaking hands with a serious-looking president says volumes about his self-image. That he needs to seek constant reassurance from those who appointed him, rather than those for whom he is responsible, is troubling.
As for the 14 measures by which, it is claimed, the mainland will help Hong Kong through the downturn, they deserve critical analysis. First, though, the principle that a rich Hong Kong should need or ask for help from a mostly still poor motherland is contrary to the principles of the Basic Law and Joint Declaration. If Hong Kong, with massive fiscal and foreign exchange reserves, cannot stand on its own feet in the same way as smaller Singapore, what justification does it have for retaining the exceptional economic and social freedoms that it regards as its birthright?
Missing from the 14 items is any reference to the one thing most important to Hong Kong's commercial role: that the recession should not be an excuse for protectionist actions to shield national industries or disrupt the free flow of capital. But, instead of focusing on Hong Kong's global role and commitment to open trade, Mr Tsang's ambition, seen through this list, is to further the city's integration into a Greater Shenzhen and to devalue its free-trade reputation by seeking preferential deals.
Two of the 14 items relate to currency trading use of the yuan. That's fine, if they are part of a broader mainland policy on yuan usage, or Hong Kong is being used as a testing ground. But, let the mainland make its own currency policies according to its needs, and not pretend that they should be devised for Hong Kong's special benefit.
Likewise, mainland policies on the listing of firms in Hong Kong have been, and should continue to be, based on China's perceived needs. It is dishonest to suggest that Beijing will, or should, put Hong Kong's interests before those of mainland markets.