Hong Kong's first post-colonial leader dies aged 89
Summary
Tung Chee-hwa, the first leader of Hong Kong after it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, has died at 89. He served as chief executive during difficult times, including economic crisis, health outbreaks, and major protests, and resigned in 2005.Key Facts
- Tung Chee-hwa became Hong Kong’s first chief executive in July 1997 after Britain handed the city back to China.
- He was born in Shanghai in 1937 and studied mechanical engineering in the UK.
- Before politics, he led his family’s shipping company, Orient Overseas.
- His time as leader included the Asian Financial Crisis and two health epidemics: bird flu and SARS.
- In 2003, half a million people protested a proposed national security law that many feared would reduce their freedoms.
- Tung resigned in 2005, with health reasons cited, though some said he faced pressure from Beijing.
- Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020, which officials say keeps order but critics say limits freedoms.
- Tung died surrounded by family, and his office praised his character and dedication.
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