Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Hong Kong’s First Post-Handover Leader Tung Chee-hwa Buried
Tung Chee-hwa was Hong Kong’s first leader after Britain handed Hong Kong back to China.
He became leader in 1997.
He helped run Hong Kong during an Asian financial crisis and a recession.
He left office in 2005.
Officials held a state funeral for him on September 20.
Chinese officials praised his work and relationship with the government.
However, some people criticized how his government handled SARS and a proposed security law.
That law led to large protests, and a similar law was eventually passed in 2024.
Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive under Chinese rule, was buried in a state funeral on Sunday, September 20.
Tung died on September 8 at age 89 after serving as chief executive from 1997 to 2005.
His casket was draped with a Chinese flag, and Chief Executive John Lee was among the pallbearers.
Chinese officials praised Tung as an important contributor to “one country, two systems” and a close friend of the Communist Party of China.
Tung faced criticism over his handling of SARS and attempts to introduce a security law that triggered large protests in 2003.
- Who
- Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive after the handover to China.
- What
- He was laid to rest in a state funeral.
- When
- Sunday, September 20; Tung died on September 8 at age 89.
- Where
- Hong Kong, with memorial events held at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point.
- Why
- The funeral honored Tung’s service as Hong Kong’s first leader under Chinese rule.
Official Praise
Criticism
Tung’s political legacy
Official Praise
Chinese officials described Tung as an outstanding contributor to “one country, two systems” and a close friend of the Communist Party of China.
Criticism
Critics pointed to his government’s response to SARS and his attempt to introduce a security law seen as threatening Hong Kong’s freedoms.
Security legislation
Official Praise
Tung’s government tried to advance the security law in 2003.
Criticism
The proposal triggered widespread protests, and Article 23 was ultimately adopted in 2024 by a pro-Beijing legislature.
- Office
- Hong Kong’s first chief executive after the 1997 handover
- Time in office
- 1997 to 2005
- Age at death
- 89
- Date of death
- September 8
- Funeral
- State funeral on Sunday, September 20
- Notable criticism
- His government faced criticism over SARS and a proposed security law in 2003
- Later role
- Vice chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference from 2005