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Tung Chee-hwa
Opinion
SCMP Editorial
Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Tung Chee-hwa’s legacy helps lay foundations for better tomorrows

Hong Kong’s first chief executive will be remembered for his commitment to the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and for ideas that have proved to be visionary

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A photo of Hong Kong’s first chief executive Tung Chee-hwa is displayed at Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point on September 19. Photo: Kit Lai
SCMP Editorial
Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.
Tung Chee-hwa’s passing unleashed a torrent of tributes from the community at large. Public condolences further affirm Beijing’s praise of Tung’s invaluable contribution to the “one country, two systems” principle. That says something about the legacy of Hong Kong’s first post-handover chief executive. The public outpouring of grief and gratitude from all walks of life set the stage for a moving state funeral and public memorial service on Sunday, and framed the eulogy delivered by Shi Taifeng, Politburo member and top vice-chairperson of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Condolences included those from President Xi Jinping and other top state leaders. Earlier, Xi instructed the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong to ensure Tung received the best possible medical treatment during his illness. State news agency Xinhua described Tung as a staunch patriot and close friend of the Communist Party.

Shi’s address represented Beijing’s official praise and final assessment of Tung’s role in implementing and upholding the one country, two systems principle. In that regard, he highlighted Tung’s role in bravely speaking up for the government’s efforts to quell the 2019 social unrest and in safeguarding national security. Tung had firmly supported the government in curbing violence and chaos in accordance with the law, and strongly condemned foreign interference, at a time when one country, two systems was seriously challenged. In 2020, Tung spearheaded the establishment of the Hong Kong Coalition, uniting forces across all sectors of society to forge consensus and propel Hong Kong towards a fresh start.

Shi also praised Tung for pushing Hong Kong-mainland collaboration, a direction he set early in his term as chief executive. In addition, he city’s former leader will be remembered for enhancing China-United States ties, having been one of the earliest to establish an unofficial channel known as “track 2” diplomacy, by funding and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

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