Tung Chee-hwa Passes Away Due to Illness

HONGKONG, Sept. 9 (SilkRoadNewsAgency) — Tung Chee-hwa, an outstanding contributor to "one country, two systems," a renowned patriot, an outstanding social activist, a close friend of the Communist Party of China, former vice chairman of the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th National Committees of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and the first and second-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), passed away due to illness in Hong Kong at 9:57 p.m. on September 8, 2026, at the age of 89.Chen Entian, Chairman of the Silk Road News Agency and Lifetime Senior Advisor of the Hong Kong Federation of Literary and Art Circles, has sent a letter to Mr. Tung's office, expressing deep condolences over his passing and extending heartfelt sympathy to his family and staff.

According to a statement released by Mr. Tung's office in the early morning of September 9, he passed away peacefully at a hospital around 10 p.m. on September 8, surrounded by his family.Mr. Tung devoted his entire life to serving the country and Hong Kong, making indelible contributions to Hong Kong's smooth return to the motherland and the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle. He served as Chief Executive of the HKSAR from 1997 to 2005, steering Hong Kong through challenges including the Asian financial crisis, promoting economic and trade ties and coordinated development between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong's enduring competitiveness.After stepping down in 2005, he continued to serve as Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, offering counsel at the national level and further contributing to the prosperity, stability and sustained development of Hong Kong.

The passing of Mr. Tung has drawn profound condolences from all sectors of society in Hong Kong and the Mainland. John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, stated that Mr. Tung dedicated his life to serving the country and Hong Kong, and his lifelong and monumental contributions to Hong Kong will forever be etched in people's memory.Chen Entian, Chairman of the Silk Road News Agency and Lifetime Senior Advisor of the Hong Kong Federation of Literary and Art Circles, has sent a letter to Mr. Tung's office, expressing deep condolences over his passing and extending heartfelt sympathy to his family and staff.Mr. Mr. Chen Entian is also the founder of the World Peace Ribbon Organization and the Belt and Road International Day. More than a decade ago, the organization received the care and support of Mr. Tung Chee-hwa.

In his letter of condolence, Chen Entian remarked that Mr. Tung was a faithful practitioner of the great "one country, two systems" vision and the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong after its return to the motherland, who devoted his life's efforts to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability as well as the nation's development and progress. His noble character and outstanding contributions will forever be remembered.May Mr. Tung Chee-hwa rest in peace!