Asians...put more emphasis on order, stability, hierarchy, family and self-discipline than Westerners do. — Chris Patten

It is not unusual for electorates to want contradictory things, and politicians often make promises accordingly.

[O]n July 1, 1997, Hong Kong became the only example of decolonization deliberately accompanied by less democracy and a weaker protection of civil liberties. This was a cause for profound regret, especially for the departing colonial power. But it was China's doing and China's decision. I am pleased that Britain narrowly avoided complicity in the dishonourable act of denying the citizens of free Hong Kong what they had been promised in 1984.

No other place has quite the same blend of East and West, ancient and modern, spectacular and humdrum.