Friend, leader, mentor: how political veterans remember Tung Chee-hwa
This weekend, Hong Kong mourns the loss of former chief executive and elder statesman Tung Chee-hwa. The shipping tycoon who became the city’s first leader after its transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997 died on September 8 at the age of 89, leaving a legacy of determined stewardship and dedicated public service. He is remembered for steering Hong Kong through uncharted waters following the…
Hong Kong mourns the passing of former chief executive and revered statesman Tung Chee-hwa, who died on September 8 at 89. The shipping magnate led the city after its return to China in 1997 and is remembered for his steadfast leadership during the transition, challenges like the Asian financial crisis and Sars epidemic, and his efforts to nurture Sino-US relations.
Tung oversaw the implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong, which he championed throughout his tenure and advocated for in its ongoing success. His legacy consists of policies that paved the way for the city's prosperity, and he was a master of diplomacy, meeting two US presidents, Bill Clinton and George W Bush.
Tributes from politicians and fellow leaders, including Singapore's former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Hong Kong's former chief executive Carrie Lam, and Donald Tsang, describe Tung as a wise, kind, and hardworking leader who held the utmost trust of the nation. A state funeral will be held to honor the late leader, with a vigil on Saturday and a memorial on Sunday.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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