‘His love for Hong Kong was profound’: Tung Chee-hwa honoured at state funeral

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders from Beijing conveyed their condolences as Hong Kong bid farewell to its first postcolonial leader, Tung Chee-hwa, at a somber state funeral on Sunday. Tung, who passed away on September 8 at the age of 89, was described as an "outstanding contributor to 'one country two systems', a renowned patriot, and a close friend of the Communist Party of China."

The announcement came after the central authorities expressed deep concern for Tung's health while he was critically ill. Xi Jinping and other central leaders instructed the Hong Kong liaison office to convey their best wishes and demanded all-out efforts to treat the city's former leader.

The funeral, which marked only the third state funeral in Hong Kong since the 1997 handover, saw figures from the highest circles of power in mainland China and Hong Kong attending, including Shi Taifeng, Wang Dongfeng, Leung Chun-ying, and Xia Baolong. The ceremony began with attendees standing in silent tribute, followed by a portrait of Tung surrounded by white orchids, symbolizing love and respect. A banner at the funeral hall read "Deepest condolences to Mr Tung Chee-hwa."

Tung, a shipping tycoon elected to run Hong Kong after the 1997 handover, resigned midway through his second term in 2005 citing health reasons. He served as a vice-chairman of the CPPCC, China's top political advisory body, until 2023. During his tenure, Tung navigated major challenges, including the 1997 financial crisis, foreign financial predators, and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003.

He upheld the belief that patriotism is a natural conviction and always placed national interests first throughout his life.