The Forgotten Legacy of Hong Kong’s First Leader Under Chinese Rule

Tung Chee-hwa’s passing at 89 brings to mind the tumultuous era in Hong Kong’s history marked by high hopes and dashed dreams. As the territory’s first leader under Chinese rule, Tung’s tenure from 1997 to 2005 was a defining period for Hong Kongers’ aspirations for greater democracy.

Tung’s inaugural speech in 1997 echoed the language used by colonial administrators before him, pledging to maintain Hong Kong as a vibrant and international city. However, this rhetoric belied a fundamental shift in power dynamics between Beijing and Hong Kong. The “one country, two systems” principle, which Tung championed, was always fragile at best.

The turning point came with Tung’s ill-fated attempt to push through Article 23, the national security bill, in 2003. This move was widely seen as an attempt by Beijing to encroach on Hong Kongers’ freedoms. The massive protest that followed, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets, was a watershed moment in Hong Kong’s relations with China.

Tung’s inability to balance Chinese rule and democratic aspirations led to his downfall. His popularity ratings plummeted, and he resigned two years later, citing ill health. This marked a turning point for Beijing as well, which began to restrict the scope of democratic reforms to ensure its continued control.

As a shipping tycoon with close ties to China’s leaders, Tung was seen by many as an exemplar of the “pragmatic” approach to governance. However, his time in office also showed the limits of this approach. The events of 2003 set the stage for increased tensions between opposition democrats and Beijing over Hong Kong’s future.

In recent years, Tung largely disappeared from public view, his influence waning as bilateral relations between China and the US deteriorated. His China-U.S. Exchange Foundation came under scrutiny for its ties to the Chinese government, and he became increasingly outspoken in defense of Beijing’s actions in Hong Kong.

Tung’s final interviews, including one with the People’s Daily newspaper, underscored his shift towards a more authoritarian worldview. “The ultimate test for any method of election is whether it brings happiness and wellbeing for the people,” he said. However, this statement rings hollow given the city’s current state of affairs. The 2021 overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system has effectively shut out opposition democrats from future elections, deepening the divide between Beijing and Hong Kongers.

Tung’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of compromise in the face of encroaching authoritarianism. His legacy will be remembered as a testament to the enduring power of Hong Kongers’ aspirations for greater democracy. As we look back on his tenure, it is essential that we acknowledge the mistakes of the past and strive for a more just and democratic future for Hong Kong.

Hong Kong remains at an impasse, caught between competing visions of Beijing and its people. The city’s future will be shaped by the choices made in the years ahead: Will we continue down a path of compromise and gradual erosion of our freedoms, or will we stand firm against the forces of authoritarianism? The answer lies with us, and it is a choice that must be made with courage, conviction, and unwavering determination.