‘Staunch patriot, close friend’: Beijing official hails Tung Chee-hwa’s legacy
Hong Kong’s first post-colonial leader, Tung Chee-hwa, has been lauded as a pioneer of “one country, two systems”, a staunch patriot and a close friend of the Chinese Communist Party who also contributed to US-China relations, according to a eulogy delivered by a senior Beijing official. In his remarks at Tung’s state funeral on Sunday, seen by the South China Morning Post, Shi Taifeng – a…
A senior Beijing official praised Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong's first post-colonial leader, at his state funeral on Sunday. Shi Taifeng, a Politburo member and first vice-chairman of China's top political advisory body, emphasized Tung's role in supporting the government during social unrest and preserving national security. The official described Tung's unwavering patriotism and his profound love for Hong Kong, stating that he always prioritized the national interest.
Born during a turbulent era, Tung developed a deep sense of patriotism, and his father, Tung Chao-yung, was a shipping magnate. After his shipping business, Tung firmly supported China's reform and opening-up, contributing to its modernization and external trade. As Hong Kong's first chief executive, Tung played a crucial role in the 1997 handover, drafting the Basic Law and establishing the city as a global shipping hub.
Under his leadership, Tung handled the Asian financial crisis and led during the SARS pandemic. After stepping down in 2005, Tung continued to support Hong Kong's autonomy and supported the enactment of the national security law. His famous quote, "If Hong Kong is good, China will be good. If China is good, Hong Kong will be even better," illustrates his commitment to the "one country, two systems" principle.
The official called for the public to remember Tung's legacy and carry forward his patriotism and dedication.
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.
