HONG KONG – Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive and a former vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), died on last night at the age of 89, Hong Kong’s Standard newspaper reported early today.
Tung died peacefully in Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital shortly after 10:00 p.m. with family members by his side, according to a statement issued by his office.
“Our beloved Mr Tung Chee-hwa, former vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the first chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 89,” the statement said.
His office described Tung as an upright man who was deeply devoted to the country and dedicated himself tirelessly to public service, adding that his character and spirit would long be remembered.
Tung had largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years and had been absent from major official events, including the annual July 1 handover anniversary celebrations.
Born in Shanghai in 1937, Tung was the eldest son of shipping magnate Tung Chao-yung and moved to Hong Kong with his family at the age of 12.
He was the first chief executive of the HKSAR between July 1, 1997 and March 12, 2005, stepping down during his second five-year terms for health reasons.
