Tung died on September 8, 2026, according to a statement from his office. No cause of death was immediately given.
Born in Shanghai in 1937, Tung came from a prominent shipping family.
His father, Tung Chao-yung, founded the Orient Overseas Container Line, and Tung Chee-hwa later took over the family business.
Tung entered politics as Hong Kong approached the end of British colonial rule.
In December 1996, he was selected by a Beijing-aligned 400-member committee to become the territory's first Chief Executive.
He took office on July 1, 1997, when Hong Kong was handed back to China after more than 150 years of British rule.
His administration operated under the 'one country, two systems' framework, under which Hong Kong was promised a high degree of autonomy and the preservation of its way of life, legal system and economic freedoms.
However, Tung's time in office was marked by a series of serious challenges.
The Asian financial crisis hit Hong Kong soon after he took office, while the territory also faced an outbreak of bird flu and the SARS epidemic in 2003.
His government also faced growing public dissatisfaction over economic conditions, housing and political reforms.
One of the most controversial moments came in 2003, when his administration attempted to introduce legislation under Article 23 of Hong Kong's Basic Law.
The proposed legislation would have created offences related to national security, including treason and sedition, while giving authorities additional powers.
The proposal triggered a huge public demonstration, with about half a million people taking part.
Facing intense opposition, the government withdrew the legislation. The controversy further damaged Tung's popularity and contributed to growing tensions between Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and Beijing.
Despite his declining popularity, Tung was re-elected unopposed in 2002. He resigned in March 2005, citing health reasons, midway through his second term.
After leaving office, Tung remained an influential figure in Chinese politics.
He became vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and continued to support closer ties between Hong Kong and mainland China.
In later years, he established the Our Hong Kong Foundation, a think tank that promoted policy ideas on issues including housing, technology and economic development.
Tung's political legacy remains contested. Supporters have credited him with helping guide Hong Kong through its historic transition to Chinese sovereignty and promoting closer economic integration with mainland China.
Critics, however, have pointed to his administration's economic difficulties, unpopular policies and the political tensions that emerged during his leadership.
His death comes nearly three decades after he became the first leader of Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty, making him a central figure in one of the territory's most significant periods of modern history.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/tung-chee-hwa-hong-kongs-first-chief-executive-dies-at-89/
