Hong Kong and Macao officials on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, with chief executives of both special administrative regions paying tribute to his long-standing support for the cities’ development and his contributions to the country’s reform and opening-up.
In a statement, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Zhu, who was 98, had always held Hong Kong’s development close to his heart and had consistently supported the city’s growth. Zhu visited Hong Kong on many occasions while serving in different positions and maintained close contact with people from all walks of life.
Lee said Zhu remained firmly committed to safeguarding the city’s long-term prosperity and stability. During Zhu’s tenure as vice-premier (1991-98) and premier (1998-2003), he supported Hong Kong through challenging periods such as the Asian financial crisis, defending its status as an international financial center. On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR, Lee extended deepest condolences to Zhu’s family.
During the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and 1998, when international speculators launched aggressive short-selling attacks against the Hong Kong dollar and its stock market, Zhu told international and local reporters at a news conference: “The central government speaks very highly of policies adopted by the HKSAR government. I do not think Hong Kong will encounter insurmountable difficulties in the future.
“But if the HKSAR government were to need support from the central government in an exceptional case or under exceptional circumstances, as long as the HKSAR government files a request with the central government, the central government will spare no effort or cost to maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and to maintain the link system between the US dollar and the Hong Kong dollar.”
Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai, likewise, expressed deep condolences and extended sympathies to Zhu’s family. He recalled that Zhu attended the ceremony of Macao’s return to the motherland on Dec 20, 1999, and officiated the oath of office to the first chief executive and principal officials of the Macao SAR. Sam said this remains a cherished shared memory for Macao residents and that Zhu’s care and support for “one country, two systems” and the development of Macao will always be remembered.
Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairperson of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee and former Hong Kong chief executive, also paid his tribute in a social media post, recalling Zhu’s reform-minded leadership during his years in Shanghai.
Leung highlighted the landmark 1988 international public tender for a commercial land parcel in the Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone, describing it as the first open international land tender on the mainland. “It has been the honor of my life to have participated, under Premier Zhu’s leadership, in Shanghai’s reforms of the land-use system and the housing system,” said Leung, then a chartered surveyor.
Hong Kong political group, the New People’s Party, said many Hong Kong residents still vividly remembered Zhu’s pledge during the Asian financial crisis, saying this support became a powerful backing for the SAR government’s efforts to counter international speculators and helped the city successfully defend its financial stability.
