Hong Kong Bids Farewell to First Post-colonial Leader Tung Chee-hwa
WHO:
South China Morning Post - Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders sent condolences from Beijing.
ABC News World - Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong's first post-colonial leader.
South China Morning Post - Tung Chee-hwa's widow, Betty Tung Chiu Hung-ping, and their three children.
WHAT:
South China Morning Post - A report by the official Xinhua News Agency described 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.
South China Morning Post - The state funeral for Tung Chee-hwa was only the third time a Hongkonger has received such an honor since the 1997 handover.
South China Morning Post - The state funeral for Tung Chee-hwa was only the third time a Hongkonger has received such an honor since the 1997 handover.
South China Morning Post - An 87-member committee chaired by Shi Taifeng, top vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, arranged the state funeral.
South China Morning Post - Members of the public could pay their respects by signing condolence books at three community halls until noon on Sunday.
ABC News World - A state funeral was held for Tung Chee-hwa.
South China Morning Post - A vigil was held for Tung Chee-hwa, attended by Hong Kong’s political and business elite.
South China Morning Post - Hundreds of wreaths were placed at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point.
WHERE:
ABC News World - Hong Kong.
South China Morning Post - Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point.
WHEN:
ABC News World - The state funeral took place on a Sunday.
South China Morning Post - The vigil occurred on a Saturday.
WHY:
South China Morning Post - The central authorities expressed deep concern over Tung's condition while he was critically ill and instructed the liaison office in Hong Kong to convey best wishes and demanded all-out efforts to treat him.
South China Morning Post - Tung Chee-hwa led Hong Kong through significant events, including the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2003 SARS outbreak.
South China Morning Post - The events were held to honor Tung Chee-hwa, recognizing his role as the city's first chief executive.
HOW:
South China Morning Post - The vigil followed a typical local format, where visitors paid their respects and bowed to Tung at the altar before offering condolences to his family.
(UPDATED September 21, 2026 01:24 UTC)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders have sent condolences from Beijing following the passing of Tung Chee-hwa, who was recognized as an outstanding contributor to the "one country, two systems" principle and a close friend of the Communist Party of China. The state funeral for Tung marks only the third time a Hongkonger has received such an honor since the 1997 handover, highlighting his significant impact on the region. Central authorities had previously expressed deep concern over Tung's health during his critical illness and directed efforts to ensure he received the best possible care.
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(UPDATED September 20, 2026 13:58 UTC)
The state funeral for Tung Chee-hwa marks only the third time a Hongkonger has received such an honor since the 1997 handover. An 87-member committee, chaired by Shi Taifeng, organized the ceremony, and members of the public can pay their respects by signing condolence books at three community halls until noon on Sunday. Tung Chee-hwa is remembered for his leadership during pivotal moments in Hong Kong's history, including the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2003 SARS outbreak.
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(UPDATED September 20, 2026 07:01 UTC)
A state funeral was held in Hong Kong to honor Tung Chee-hwa, the city's first chief executive, with a vigil attended by the political and business elite, including his widow, Betty Tung Chiu Hung-ping, and their three children. Hundreds of wreaths were placed at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point, where visitors paid their respects by bowing at the altar before offering condolences to his family. The events took place over the weekend, with the vigil on Saturday and the state funeral on Sunday.