Xinhua hails Tung Chee-hwa after death at 89
AM730 · 4 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Former national political leader and Hong Kong's first chief executive Tung Chee-hwa died in Hong Kong on September 8 at the age of 89. In reporting his death, Xinhua described him as an outstanding contributor to “one country, two systems”, a well-known patriot, an outstanding social activist and a close friend of the Communist Party of China.
Key Points
- Xinhua said Tung Chee-hwa died of illness in Hong Kong at 9:57pm on September 8, and identified him as Hong Kong's first and second chief executive and a former vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee.
- am730 reported Tung died at about 10pm on Tuesday in hospital with family members by his side, as condolences from political and civic figures were issued on Wednesday.
- Former justice secretary Elsie Leung Oi-sie said she had seen Tung a few months ago and still regarded him as the leader she most admired, praising his vision and sense of responsibility for Hong Kong.
- Leung said Tung supported colleagues through early “one country, two systems” difficulties and personally bore responsibility during challenges including Basic Law Article 23 legislation.
- Former chief executives and allies including Leung Chun-ying, Henry Tang Ying-yen, Tam Yiu-chung and the Hong Kong Coalition praised Tung's role in implementing the Basic Law and planning Hong Kong's long-term development.
Why It Matters
Tung's death has prompted an immediate wave of official and establishment tributes that frame his legacy around the founding years of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the implementation of “one country, two systems”. For Hong Kong readers, the response also revives debate over how his administration handled economic shocks, social policy and constitutional controversies that continued to shape later governments.