( CNN ) -- During my travels to some western countries , there have been occasions when people have asked me where I come from . When some hear that I 'm from Hong Kong , they would often say : `` So , you are Japanese ! '' This has happened so often that I find it more convenient to simply tell them I 'm Chinese , rather than explain how Hong Kong 's sits in relation to mainland China . Hong Kong does not enjoy the global familiarity enjoyed by places like New York , Paris or London . The residents of these cities can just say they are from those cities to anyone in the world and there would be little questions asked about their nationality . Does the fact that the American does n't mention he is from the United States make him less American ? Of course not . One only has to walk down the streets of Manhattan and count the number of American flags to realize that New Yorkers are patriotic Americans . 'Mother China ' In Hong Kong , whenever the Chinese flag and the Hong Kong flag are flown side by side , the Chinese flag is always placed a little higher . This rightly symbolizes the fact that Hong Kong is a city within the mother country of China . But this should not deny a Hong Kong person the right to explain the difference between their city and other Chinese cities . Those that like to stoke dissent often accuse such behavior as unpatriotic . It is a fact that Hong Kong is culturally and politically distinct from other Chinese cities . We are under a different political and legal system . We have a unique history of British colonialism . Our tradition of openness and internationalism has provided us with a unique set of circumstances . All in all , the Hong Kong identity is distinctive but one that China recognizes . It is this difference that has endowed Hong Kong with an important role to play within China in the same way that Shanghai and Beijing have their respective reasons to be . I believe the majority of Hong Kong people recognizes that Hong Kong can not exist as an independent country . This is not just because of mere realism and practicality . It is fundamentally because we can readily identify with the traditions we share with our motherland and feel a substantial sense of pride in our ancient history . Unique identity . Whether or not we place Hong Kong before or after China depends on certain undeniable cultural anomalies . At the end of the day , the bond we have with our fellow countrymen in the mainland is stronger than our differences . If we can overcome this seeming contradiction and concentrate on celebrating our unique identity , we can fashion Hong Kong to be a place of global relevance and at the same time help China rise as a global player . Hong Kong is Asia 's most culturally diverse city . We enjoy an international level of living standards . Our rule of law and freedom are things we cherish . We are geographically well placed to be Asia 's cultural hub . It should be the place where all the world 's important cultural events should be staged . In tandem with China 's political and economic rise during our lifetime , Hong Kong 's role in world culture is vital . It is important to recognize that it is the soft power of a country that is most appealing the world over . It is the tonic that helps to alleviate tensions that arises from issues such as territorial disputes and tourists behaving badly overseas . Countries that can handle their military , economic and cultural strengths with dexterity are those that are able to punch well above their weight . I believe the current generation of Chinese leaders are intelligent enough to recognize this fact . Under appropriate circumstances , Hong Kong people should be able to wear all our different hats with confidence and pride . As Asians , we should even be able to embrace our affinity with fellow Asians . Including the Japanese !
Hong Kong is culturally and politically distinct from other Chinese territories . Douglas Young : I believe the majority of Hong Kong people recognizes that Hong Kong can not exist as an independent country . Young : Hong Kong 's role in international affairs is vital .