Hong Kong authorities coordinate state funeral for Tung Chee-hwa
City's first chief executive to be honored for contributions to 'one country, two systems' framework
Quick Look
- Hong Kong authorities are preparing a state funeral for the city's first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, who passed away at 89.
- The arrangements are expected to reflect his status as a deputy national-level leader and his role in the 'one country, two systems' framework.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Tung Chee-hwa served as the first chief executive of Hong Kong following the 1997 handover. He was a prominent figure in the implementation of the 'one country, two systems' policy.
Hong Kong authorities are coordinating a state funeral for the city’s first chief executive, the late Tung Chee-hwa, the South China Morning Post has learned, honoring his legacy as a deputy national-level leader and his contributions to the “one country, two systems” framework.
A source familiar with the matter said “preparations were under way” and were being coordinated by the city government after Tung’s death on Tuesday at the age of 89. Responding to queries from the SCMP, the government’s Administration Wing said on Thursday that it would announce relevant arrangements in due course.
Lau Siu-kai, a consultant to the semi-official Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies think tank, said that as a deputy leader at the national level, Tung could have a funeral comparable to Fok’s.
He expected central government officials to be appointed to a funeral committee and attend the service for Tung, with state leaders sending wreaths.
Veteran China watcher Johnny Lau Yui-siu also believed Tung would be accorded a state funeral in line with convention. He said the funeral’s arrangements and scale could be similar to those of Ann and Fok, and would be coordinated by the central government.
Open Questions
- What is the exact date of the funeral?
- Who will be on the funeral committee?
