Tung Chee-hwa is a Hong Kong businessman and politician

 

Tung Chee-hwa is a Hong Kong businessman and politician who served as the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong from 1997 to 2005, following the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China. Born on July 7, 1937, in Shanghai, China, Tung came from a prominent shipping magnate family. His father, Tung Chao Yung, was a successful entrepreneur who founded the Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), which became one of the largest shipping companies in the world.

Tung Chee-hwa joined his father's business upon his return to Hong Kong in 1969 and gradually took over the leadership of the family enterprise. However, in 1985, his company was heavily in debt and teetered on the edge of bankruptcy. It was at this time that he received support from the Beijing government, which helped him to recover his business. This marked the beginning of his close relationship with the Communist authorities in Beijing, particularly with Jiang Zemin, the former General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party.

Tung's political career began in 1985 when he was appointed to the Basic Law Consultative Committee, responsible for drafting the Basic Law of Hong Kong, the mini-constitution that would govern Hong Kong after the handover. He was also appointed to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top advisory body of China, in 1993. Additionally, he established close relationships with U.S. President George H. W. Bush and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Winston Lord.

Under the consensus between the British and Chinese governments, Tung was appointed to the Executive Council of Hong Kong by the last British Governor Chris Patten in 1992, the highest advisory body in the colonial government. He left the office in 1996 and ran for the first Chief Executive election, which he won in 1996.

As the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Tung faced numerous challenges, including the Asian financial crisis in 1998 and the SARS outbreak in 2003. His administration was also criticized for its handling of several high-profile cases, including the dismissal of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) host Ng Kuok-cheung and the arrest of democracy activist Lau San-ching.

Despite these challenges, Tung's administration implemented several significant policies, including the introduction of the Minimum Wage Ordinance, the expansion of the Hong Kong International Airport, and the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District. He also played a crucial role in promoting Hong Kong's economic development and strengthening its position as a global financial center.

Tung stepped down as Chief Executive in 2005, citing health reasons, and was succeeded by Donald Tsang. He remains active in public life, serving as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and engaging in various philanthropic and educational initiatives. His legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both his achievements and challenges during his tenure as Hong Kong's first Chief Executive.