We Are Blessed To Have Xi Jinping: Tung Chee-hwa

Former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa said on Thursday that the leadership of President Xi Jinping is a “blessing” for Chinese people.

Speaking during an online forum organised by his own think tank, the Our Hong Kong Foundation, Tung said the entire world is undergoing unprecedented challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic has added to the uncertainties.

He said despite the strength of the US and various European governments, they have been unable to control the spread of the coronavirus.

“In the face of Covid-19, even the most powerful countries seem powerless. Our own country, on the other hand, has acted decisively in fighting the pandemic, with a well thought-out plan, effective execution, and nationwide support. China has managed to put the pandemic under control within a short period of time,” he said.

Tung, who’s a vice chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, also showered President Xi Jinping with praise, saying he has great foresight.

“It is our blessing that our country is under the leadership of a visionary in the age of instability and uncertainty. I hope that every country can join hands to build a world that is peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous," he said.

Tung added that Hong Kong “experienced the darkest period since the handover” last year due to the social unrest, Covid outbreak and economic downturn.

He called on the SAR government to resolve a number of deep-seated issues, such as the widening wealth gap, housing shortage, a “battered education system” as well as “a whole generation of youth who have lost hope”.

The former CE said with the backing of the motherland, there are plenty of opportunities for Hong Kong to thrive, adding that people must support the city’s integration into the Greater Bay Area.