After the death of former member of the Chinese Communist Party Politburo Standing Committee and former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee expressed deep condolences, stating that Zhu Rongji had always cared about and supported Hong Kong’s development, and expressed gratitude for his years of concern and support for Hong Kong’s economic and social progress.
In a message of condolence released late Wednesday night on the HKSAR Government’s news website, John Lee said: “Former Premier Zhu Rongji had always cared for and supported Hong Kong’s development. During his tenure in various positions, he visited Hong Kong several times, engaged with Hong Kong citizens from different sectors, and steadfastly implemented the policies of 'One Country, Two Systems,' 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong,' and a high degree of autonomy, maintaining Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.”
John Lee said that during Zhu Rongji's tenure as Premier of the State Council, he supported Hong Kong in uniting and forging ahead in the face of challenges such as the Asian Financial Crisis, leveraging its advantages and resolutely safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong as an international financial center. “I sincerely thank former Premier Zhu Rongji for his years of concern and support for the economic and social development of Hong Kong.” He also said: “I express my deep condolences on the passing of former Premier Zhu Rongji. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family of former Premier Zhu Rongji.”
Zhu Rongji passed away on Wednesday at the age of 98. The official obituary highlighted Zhu Rongji’s key role in hosting and advancing the implementation of numerous reforms during the critical period when China transitioned from a planned economy to a socialist market economy, stating that he “took on heavy responsibilities and tackled tough challenges with a strong sense of duty, and made every effort to do practical things for the people.”
Zhu Rongji visited Hong Kong four times. During a visit in 2002, he once said: “If Hong Kong does not do well, not only are you responsible, but we are also responsible. Hong Kong’s return to the motherland—if it goes bad in our hands, wouldn’t we become the nation’s sinners?” At the end of his speech, he also shouted: “I love Hong Kong.”