Former Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa was widely recognized for navigating the city through a uniquely challenging period following its 1997 handover to China, a transition marked by unprecedented political and economic pressures. Tung’s tenure coincided with the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s (SAR) institutions under the “one country, two systems” framework, a principle requiring Hong Kong to maintain its capitalist system and legal traditions while integrating within a rapidly evolving China.

Tung assumed leadership amid several major crises, including the Asian financial crisis, the collapse of the property market, and the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) outbreak. These events generated significant social strain and tested the resilience of the city’s newly formed government structures. Many observers note that the political landscape at the time was uncharted territory, as no precedents or guides existed for governing Hong Kong under these complex conditions.

In an official eulogy delivered by Shi Taifeng, vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Tung was lauded as an “outstanding contributor” to the “one country, two systems” policy, a “renowned patriot,” and a “close friend” of the Chinese Communist Party. The tribute emphasized the breadth of Tung’s efforts, framing his leadership not solely through the prism of contemporaneous political controversies but as part of a broader historical process of institutional development during a transformative era.

Tung took significant steps toward institutional reform, such as introducing the Principal Officials Accountability System in 2002, designed to enhance political accountability by appointing key officials directly rather than through the civil service. While intended to improve governance, the reform exposed tensions between politically appointed leaders and career bureaucrats, highlighting the difficulties inherent in adapting Hong Kong’s administrative structure to new realities.

After stepping down from the chief executive role in 2005, Tung remained active in public service. He served as a vice-chairman of the CPPCC until 2023 and founded both the China-United States Exchange Foundation in 2008 and Our Hong Kong Foundation in 2014. These organizations aimed to promote long-term policy thinking and foster dialogue between Hong Kong, China, and other regions.

Reflecting on Tung’s legacy, Bernard Chan, a Hong Kong businessman and former Executive Council convenor, described him as a dedicated leader with a strong work ethic and willingness to confront pressing issues such as economic growth, youth opportunities, housing, and social inequality. Chan also underscored Tung’s conciliatory approach toward critics and his focus on finding common ground.

Tung’s leadership remains a subject of debate, with some critics focusing on the social and political challenges that unfolded during his administration. Nevertheless, many acknowledge the magnitude of the responsibilities he shouldered during a formative moment in Hong Kong’s modern history. The official eulogy and assessments by colleagues suggest that the true measure of Tung’s contribution lies in the foundation he helped lay for Hong Kong’s continued engagement with its complex political context and future development.