Beijing units in Hong Kong have been asked to help boost the authority and prestige of President Jiang Zemin in the territory.
The request is part of a circular on the 'spirit' of the sixth plenum of the Communist Party Central Committee which has been relayed by central authorities to Hong Kong-based units of the Chinese party and Government.
The plenum, which closed on October 10, passed a resolution on building socialist 'spiritual civilisation'.
It also decided that in 1997, Beijing should focus on two tasks: a smooth transition of Hong Kong to Chinese rule; and preparations for the 15th Party Congress late next year. According to Chinese sources, the circular pointed out that the authority and prestige of Mr Jiang, considered the 'core' of the party leadership, must be enhanced around the mainland and in Hong Kong.
Mr Jiang, who will most likely gain a new five-year term as party chief at the 15th Congress, is expected to come to Hong Kong on July 1 to officiate at the handover ceremony.
The circular also asked the Hong Kong branch of Xinhua (the New China News Agency) and other Chinese offices in Hong Kong to do a good job of explaining the meaning of 'spiritual civilisation' to the local public.
It said that emphasis should be put on promoting patriotism and beneficial aspects of Chinese culture.