What are the motifs in Noble House: A Novel of Contemporary Hong Kong by James Clavell?

Rivalry is a recurring idea in the book. It is also part of the legacy inherited by both Ian Dunross and Quillan Gornt. The rivalry began in the early days of Hong Kong when both families formed their trading companies. Dirk Struan and Brock both kept trying to drive each other out of business and tried to have the other killed. The rivalry follows through to 1960s Hong Kong in the form of business competition.