Beijing heaps praise on Tung and vows support will continue
Beijing's support for Hong Kong would not be affected by the expected change in leadership, central government officials said yesterday.
They also heaped praise on Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, after President Hu Jintao said on Saturday that Mr Tung had accumulated experience in governing Hong Kong and implementing the 'one country, two systems' formula.
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing described Mr Tung's services to Hong Kong as great. '[Mr Tung's] contributions are very large - Hong Kong citizens have all witnessed and appreciated his efforts. He is a good person and the majority of Hong Kong people like him,' said Mr Li, a personal friend of Mr Tung.
The minister said a change of leadership would not affect Hong Kong's stability. 'I won't comment on Hong Kong as foreign minister, but as a Chinese citizen I am confident Hong Kong is prosperous and stable. All Chinese people have this hope and confidence.'
Communications Minister Zhang Chunxian said Mr Tung had been working diligently in the interests of Hong Kong people. 'Mr Tung is a humble man. He respects his job and has been putting a lot of effort into his work for Hong Kong. We are very impressed with his achievements.'
Mr Zhang also had compliments for Hong Kong's chief secretary. '[Donald] Tsang Yam-kuen is also a responsible man. He has been working for Hong Kong and the general public. His meticulous and hard-working attitude is also very impressive.'
He said the mainland's support for Hong Kong would continue with backing for the proposed bridge to Zhuhai and Macau.
Zhang Hanlin, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, said Mr Tung's expected departure would not affect co-operation.
'The central government's policy in maintaining the prosperity of Hong Kong would not be affected by any changes to the office of the chief executive,' he said.
