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

Hong Kong held a state funeral on Sunday for its first postcolonial leader, Tung Chee-hwa, who died on September 8 at the age of 89. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders in Beijing sent condolences. The official Xinhua News Agency lauded Tung as an "outstanding contributor to ‘one country two systems,’ a renowned patriot, an outstanding social activist and a close friend of the Communist Party of China." The report also noted the central authorities' deep concern for Tung's condition while he was critically ill, with Xi and other leaders instructing efforts for his treatment. Following his death, Xi and other leadership members expressed grief and extended condolences to Tung's family.

Hong Kong's political and business elite gathered for a vigil on Saturday to pay their respects to Tung Chee-hwa, the city's first chief executive. The event took place at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point. Beijing leaders sent wreaths in anticipation of his state funeral. Members of the public were also able to sign condolence books at community centers. Hundreds of wreaths were displayed outside the funeral home. The vigil was an invitation-only event attended by top officials, former politicians, and business chiefs.

Hong Kong is holding a weekend vigil to mourn the passing of its first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, who died at age 89 on September 8. Tributes are being offered by prominent figures and the public, remembering his leadership through challenges like the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2003 SARS outbreak. The vigil took place at Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point, with a state funeral scheduled for Sunday. Due to venue limitations, the public memorial service is now invitation-only, but citizens can leave messages in condolence books at three community halls from September 18 to 20. Tung will be cremated at Cape Collinson Crematorium.

Hong Kong is mourning the death of its first chief executive after the 1997 handover, Tung Chee-hwa, who passed away on September 8 at the age of 89. Tung, a former shipping tycoon and vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, is remembered for his determined stewardship and dedicated public service. A state funeral will be held this weekend to honor him, including a vigil on Saturday and a memorial on Sunday. Condolence books will be available for the public from Friday to Sunday. The South China Morning Post is publishing a special commemorative print supplement featuring reflections from those who knew Tung.

Hong Kong is mourning the death of its first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, who passed away on September 8 at the age of 89. A former shipping tycoon, Tung led Hong Kong after its 1997 handover to China, navigating the city through a period of significant change following the end of colonial rule. He is remembered for his determined stewardship and dedicated public service, particularly his role in overseeing the initial implementation of the "one country, two systems" framework. Tributes highlight his wisdom, kindness, and hard work, as well as his efforts to improve Sino-US relations.