In his final policy address, Governor Chris Patten said Hong Kong is a bridge between East and West. Hong Kong represents the kind of Asia with which both West and East are comfortable.
As a candidate for Chief Executive, tycoon Tung Chee-hwa has emphasised the significance of a strong Hong Kong Chinese identity after it becomes a Special Administrative Region of China.
The future success of Hong Kong, he says, lies in combining the best of the East and the best of the West under the premise that 'We are Chinese, and we are proud to be Chinese'.
Though giving clear recognition of Western culture and values such as rule of law, systems of governance and freedoms, Mr Tung is, in effect, preaching a revival of the virtues of ancient Chinese culture in the SAR.
To quote from his manifesto, these include 'trust, love and respect for our family and our elders; integrity, honesty and loyalty towards all; commitment to education and a strong desire to strive to improve and advance oneself; a belief in order and stability; an emphasis on obligations to the community rather than rights of the individuals; a preference for consultation rather than open confrontation'.
In essence, the future SAR should be a capitalist city with an international outlook and traditional Chinese virtues.