Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, who died on Tuesday, has been described as one of the most significant figures in China-US relations, with a foundation established by a former American president’s family praising his “profound contributions” to deepening ties between the two nations.
The US consulate and former leader Donald Tsang Yam-kuen also commended Tung’s efforts in strengthening relations between the United States and Hong Kong, laying the groundwork for expanded business links and high-level dialogue following the 1997 handover.
In response to inquiries from the South China Morning Post, the George H.W. Bush Foundation issued a statement on Wednesday extending sincere condolences over Tung’s death and commending his “decades of visionary leadership” in Sino-US relations.
The Bush family highlighted Tung’s warmth, graciousness, magnanimity, optimism, boundless energy, and indefatigable spirit.
“Mr Tung will be sorely missed, but his deep and positive impact on the world’s most consequential bilateral relationship will long endure,” the foundation said.
The US Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau noted that Tung “played a pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between the US and Hong Kong during a period of profound transition, both before and after the 1997 handover”.