Jiang Zemin delivers a report at the 14th National Congress in Beijing on Dec 12, 1992. (PHOTO / XINHUA NEWS AGENCY)
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday expressed his condolences on the passing of former president Jiang Zemin, saying Jiang’s death is a loss beyond measure to the country.
Former Chinese president Jiang ZeminJiang, who goes down in history for his achievements, thoughts and charisma, will be sorely missed by the people, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said
In a post on his social media page, Lee said Jiang was widely recognized as an outstanding leader with high prestige, the core of the Communist Party of China's third generation of central collective leadership, and the principal founder of the theory of the “Three Represents”.
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Noting Jiang’s great contributions to the realization of the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macao, Lee said Jiang broke new ground for the country's comprehensive reform and opening up, implemented the basic policies of law-based governance of the country and upheld the principles of “peaceful reunification of China” and “one country, two systems”.
Jiang, who goes down in history for his achievements, thoughts and charisma, will be sorely missed by the people, Lee said.
Lee pledged to carry forward with achieving the lofty goal set by Jiang — as remarked on by President Xi Jinping at Jiang’s memorial service, held in Beijing on Tuesday — and make every effort to fully and accurately implement the “one country, two systems” principle to ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
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The city saw its national flag and regional flag hoisted at half-mast at various locations on Tuesday, with many — including the city’s government officials, civil servants, lawmakers and students — watching the live broadcast of the memorial service for Jiang and observing three minutes’ silence with the nation to pay tribute to the former leader.