Tributes
We are deeply grateful for the many messages of condolence and expressions of support received from
around the world.
Among those who have shared their tributes are the Board of Governors of the China–United States Exchange
Foundation, the institution Mr. Tung established in 2008; Former Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan, Ambassador Max
Baucus, and Professor Muhammad Yunus; Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok
Tong; Former State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Ambassador Xie Feng, Ambassador Liu Xiaoming, Ambassador Fu Ying, and
Ambassador Cui Tiankai; Secretary Hank Paulson, Mr. John Podesta, Mr. Christopher Nixon Cox, and Admiral
William Owens; Minister Mogens Lykketoft, Dr. Margaret Chan, and Mr. Joe Tsai.
The messages below, from individuals and institutions, honor Mr. Tung’s life, leadership, and enduring
commitment to
public service. Above all, we hope to inspire the young people for whom he cared so deeply to advance a
more
constructive China–United States relationship: one that fosters global peace, progress, and prosperity.
John Zhao
Chairman, China-United States Exchange Foundation
我與先生相識近二十年，有幸追隨您投身公益，立足香港、放眼全球。每一段歲月，都鐫刻著我的感動與敬仰。您高風亮節、親力親為，從不計個人勞苦，始終以國家與香港長遠利益為念，用行動詮釋何為家國情懷、何為仁者擔當。
Victor K. Fung
Group Chairman, Fung Group
Tung Chee Hwa was a statesman of exceptional courage, integrity, and dedication. His passing is a profound loss for the nation, for Hong Kong and for myself personally.
He will be remembered as a pioneering leader, a principled public servant, and a man deeply loyal to Hong Kong and China. His legacy will live on in the city he loved, the institutions he strengthened, and the many lives he influenced.
Hank Paulson
74th United States Secretary of the Treasury
C.H. devoted much of the latter part of his life to building greater understanding between the United States and China. We did not always agree on every issue or every approach. But we shared conviction that a constructive and productive relationship between our two countries matters not only to the United States and China, but to the world.
Lawrence Wong
Prime Minister of Singapore
Mr Tung was an old friend of Singapore. Under his leadership, cooperation between Singapore and Hong Kong deepened, helping to lay the foundations for the close ties we enjoy today.
He steered the city through major challenges - including the Asian Financial Crisis and the SARS outbreak - with resilience and a deep sense of responsibility for Hong Kong and its people.
Goh Chok Tong
Emeritus Senior Minister of Singapore
Deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend C. H. Tung. Our friendship goes back to the early 1970s when were both in shipping. Our friendship endured as we found ourselves leading Singapore and Hong Kong respectively at around the same time. I will remember him as a helpful, sincere, trustworthy friend whom I had the privilege of knowing for more than half a century.
Muhammad Yunus
Nobel Peace Laureate
Mr. Tung's life was one of quiet but determined service. He guided Hong Kong through a historic and difficult transition, and in the years since, he devoted himself tirelessly to building understanding and trust between China and the United States. That kind of patient, long-term bridge-building is rare, and it leaves a lasting mark far beyond the institutions he led.
John Podesta
Former White House Chief of Staff to President Clinton, Counselor to President Obama
He was the epitome of a citizen diplomat. Despite strong differences between our systems and our governments, Tung Chee Hwa had an unshakable belief that the people of China and the people of the United States had much in common and could share a prosperous and peaceful future through dialogue and understanding.
James Chau
President, China–United States Exchange Foundation
He devoted himself fully to CUSEF, driven by his conviction that constructive U.S.-China relations are essential not only to the well-being of both countries, but also the cornerstone of global peace, stability, and prosperity. His vision, generosity, integrity, and unwavering commitment shaped the character and mission of CUSEF.
Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office
董建华先生的一生是爱国的一生，奋斗的一生，奉献的一生。"香港好，国家好；国家好，香港更好"是董建华先生一生的名言，也是毕生贡献国家、服务香港的生动写照，为世人树立了光辉的榜样，永远值得我们尊敬和怀念。
China Soong Ching Ling Foundation
先生创办中美交流基金会，积极推动中美民间交流，为促进中美人民友好作出卓越贡献。我会愿与中美交流基金会一邋继承董建华先生遗志，携手推进中美、中外民间交流，促进民心相通，让人民友好事业代代相传。
Liu Changle
Founder of Phoenix Satellite Television
讓人敬重的是，董先生以他的定力，他的底氣、他的溫厚與赤誠，硬是把“港人治港、高度自治”這八個字，從紙面上的方針，變成了香港人柴米油鹽裏的日常。他常掛在嘴邊那句話 “香港好，國家好，國家好，香港更好”，是他拿一輩子的心血試出來的真理。靠這個信念，他穩住了香港根基、守護了制度優勢，讓一國兩制的生命力在歲月中不斷延續。
Yang Jiemian
President Emeritus, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies
本人追随先生二十余年，促膝谈心间常受教诲，纵论天下时多得指导。先生是长者，对我后生诲人不倦；先生是尊者，对我书生礼贤下士；先生是前者，对我后进者提携有加；先生是达者，对我驽钝者循循善诱。本人观先生工作，皆为夙兴夜寐，靡有朝矣；学先生精神，都需殚精竭虑，为国为民。天不从愿夺国之栋梁之材；痛哉！先生逝去失我之良师益友。
Wang Jisi
Founding President, Institute of International and Strategic Studies, Peking University
At a time when bilateral relations were becoming increasingly difficult, he remained firmly committed to dialogue, mutual respect, and the conviction that greater understanding could help bridge differences.
Max Baucus
11th U.S. Ambassador to China
His love of Hong Kong was in his very fiber, and he wanted Americans to know, see and taste what he loved. I cannot remember meeting anyone with such integrity and high moral character along with persistent, positive resolve. He will always be in my heart.
Joe Tsai
Chairman, Alibaba Group
I have personally witnessed his dedication to this mission, even in his late years, as he braved long flights traveling to the United States to engage in dialogue with his friends and interlocutors in America. I am grateful to him as a mentor and, most importantly, he set an example for all of us as a man of honour, integrity, loyalty and leadership.
Bill Owens
3rd Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Tung Chee Hwa was a valued friend and wonderful man in every way. He was a great Ambassador operating between the United States and China and a great friend of both countries. He knew many of the leaders in the United States and likewise in China, he fostered friendship between our two countries in a way that very few have done.
Guy Bradley
Chairman, John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited
His vision, international perspective, business experience and understanding of Hong Kong’s long-term interests kept the city on the right course, particularly during the Asian financial crisis and other periods of uncertainty. He met those trials with a strong sense of duty and an abiding faith in Hong Kong’s future.
Liu Xiaoming
China's Special Representative on Korean Peninsula Affairs
沉痛悼念，深切缅怀。我与董先生在美国和英国多次见面，2011年我访问香港期间多次与他会面，我们就中英、中美关系和共同关心的国际问题深入交换意见。仰先生学识渊博，见解深邃，宅心仁厚，德高望重，音容风范，永志不忘。
Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
作为中美民间交流的积极推动者，先生创立中美交流基金会，多年来奔走斡旋、搭桥铺路，积极促进中美智库、教育、人文等各领域交流对话，为夯实中美人民友好根基、推动两国良性互动发展倾注大量心血，作出卓越贡献。
Nirupama Rao
28th Foreign Secretary of India
I remember Mr. Tung Chee Hwa as a man of quiet dignity, unfailing courtesy and deep conviction. He carried the weight of an extraordinary historical transition. He did so with a profound sense of duty and an abiding concern for Hong Kong’s stability, prosperity and place in the world.
Yao Yunzhu
Retired Army Major General
惊闻董建华先生去世，深感悲痛。他是我最仰慕的香港人。多年前，他到北京参加政协会议期间，我曾多次参加他与在京中美关系学者的小范围餐叙。董先生和蔼可亲，认真听取意见，冷静发表看法，诚恳了解需求，并讨论他可能提供的帮助。
Francis Lui
Chairman, Galaxy Entertainment Group
He believed that Hong Kong’s enduring strengths lay in its openness, talent, international connections and ability to contribute to national development. This conviction informed his public service and, later, his work through the China-United States Exchange Foundation.
Mr Tung will be remembered for his breadth of vision, steadfastness of character and devotion to the public good.
Vivien Chen
Honorary Chairman of Nan Fung Group
I am deeply grateful for Mr. Tung's wisdom, generosity, and unwavering commitment to fostering understanding among people and nations. His legacy shall continue to inspire those who believe that lasting peace is built on respect, trust, and meaningful exchange.
Zhu Yinghuang
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of China Daily
记得我第一次面见董先生应该是1997年中国日报香港版创刊的酒会上。他是那么地和蔼可亲，像我的长辈。发现我们能用普通话，上海话，宁波话和英文交谈，更觉得亲切。
董先生办公室发布的讣告里说：他為人剛正不阿，胸懷家國，鞠躬盡瘁，高風亮節。没有更准确的用词能表现董先生的为人了。这个时代太需要这样的好人，也太缺少这样的好人了。
Christopher Nixon Cox
Board Member, Richard Nixon Foundation
I remember meeting Mr. Tung Chee Hwa when I was a freshman in college in June 1997. I was struck by how a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders was so incredibly warm and welcoming to me. Throughout the course of my hour long meeting, his wit and charm were only surpassed by his towering intellect.
Margaret Chan
7th Director-General of the World Health Organization
As an architect and steadfast guardian of "One Country, Two Systems," his pioneering achievements and enduring patriotic spirit are forever etched in history. He will always be remembered.
His decades of public service represent an important chapter in Hong Kong’s modern history. His efforts to promote dialogue, strengthen global connections, and encourage deeper understanding between Hong Kong and international partners were widely recognized.
Stephen Roach
Senior Fellow, Yale Law School, Yale University
CH was tenacious in his commitment to the engagement debate. He welcomed and encouraged outside views on China and Hong Kong from those of us from the West. He was utterly determined to find a constructive path for Sino-American re-engagement. And he was inherently optimistic that such a resolution was not just essential, but both possible and likely.
David M. Lampton
Professor Emeritus of China Studies, Johns Hopkins University
He had a compelling commitment to productive US-China-Hong Kong relations, which so many Americans and I share and will continue to pursue.
Mogens Lykketoft and Mette Holm
With the passing of Mr Tung Chee Hwa we are reminded of his fondness for Hong Kong and her people. He stood up for his principles and tried to be true to The Basic Law. His later founding of CUSEF was testament to this.
George H.W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations
Mr. Tung will be sorely missed, but his deep and positive impact on the world’s most consequential bilateral relationship will long endure.
Center for International Security and Strategy, Tsinghua University
董建华先生一生心系香港、心系国家、心系时代、心系人民。他一直关心中国与世界的关系，对清华大学战略与安全研究中心的建立与发展给予了巨大的帮助与支持。他崇高的爱国情怀与与卓著风范令人无比感佩，我们将永远铭记于心。
Institute of International and Strategic Studies, Peking University
Though Mr. Tung has passed away, he will be remembered forever.
We will keep his expectations in mind, continue our research on China-U.S. relations and global strategy, and carry forward his original aspiration and grand vision of advancing friendship between China and foreign countries.
Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding, Peking University
先生的远见格局与家国情怀，始终激励基地同仁潜心治学、为国服务。先生虽已离去，但其爱国爱港、推动中外友好的崇高精神，将如灯塔般指引我们前行。
哲人虽逝，高范长存。北京大学中外人文交流研究基地将铭记先生嘱托，深耕人文交流与国际关系研究，传承先生推动中外友好的初心与宏愿。
John Zhao
Chairman, China-United States Exchange Foundation
我與先生相識近二十年，有幸追隨您投身公益，立足香港、放眼全球。每一段歲月，都鐫刻著我的感動與敬仰。您高風亮節、親力親為，從不計個人勞苦，始終以國家與香港長遠利益為念，用行動詮釋何為家國情懷、何為仁者擔當。
Victor K. Fung
Group Chairman, Fung Group
Tung Chee Hwa was a statesman of exceptional courage, integrity, and dedication. His passing is a profound loss for the nation, for Hong Kong and for myself personally.
He will be remembered as a pioneering leader, a principled public servant, and a man deeply loyal to Hong Kong and China. His legacy will live on in the city he loved, the institutions he strengthened, and the many lives he influenced.
Hank Paulson
74th United States Secretary of the Treasury
C.H. devoted much of the latter part of his life to building greater understanding between the United States and China. We did not always agree on every issue or every approach. But we shared conviction that a constructive and productive relationship between our two countries matters not only to the United States and China, but to the world.
Lawrence Wong
Prime Minister of Singapore
Mr Tung was an old friend of Singapore. Under his leadership, cooperation between Singapore and Hong Kong deepened, helping to lay the foundations for the close ties we enjoy today.
He steered the city through major challenges - including the Asian Financial Crisis and the SARS outbreak - with resilience and a deep sense of responsibility for Hong Kong and its people.
Goh Chok Tong
Emeritus Senior Minister of Singapore
Deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend C. H. Tung. Our friendship goes back to the early 1970s when were both in shipping. Our friendship endured as we found ourselves leading Singapore and Hong Kong respectively at around the same time. I will remember him as a helpful, sincere, trustworthy friend whom I had the privilege of knowing for more than half a century.
Muhammad Yunus
Nobel Peace Laureate
Mr. Tung's life was one of quiet but determined service. He guided Hong Kong through a historic and difficult transition, and in the years since, he devoted himself tirelessly to building understanding and trust between China and the United States. That kind of patient, long-term bridge-building is rare, and it leaves a lasting mark far beyond the institutions he led.
John Podesta
Former White House Chief of Staff to President Clinton, Counselor to President Obama
He was the epitome of a citizen diplomat. Despite strong differences between our systems and our governments, Tung Chee Hwa had an unshakable belief that the people of China and the people of the United States had much in common and could share a prosperous and peaceful future through dialogue and understanding.
James Chau
President, China–United States Exchange Foundation
He devoted himself fully to CUSEF, driven by his conviction that constructive U.S.-China relations are essential not only to the well-being of both countries, but also the cornerstone of global peace, stability, and prosperity. His vision, generosity, integrity, and unwavering commitment shaped the character and mission of CUSEF.
Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office
董建华先生的一生是爱国的一生，奋斗的一生，奉献的一生。"香港好，国家好；国家好，香港更好"是董建华先生一生的名言，也是毕生贡献国家、服务香港的生动写照，为世人树立了光辉的榜样，永远值得我们尊敬和怀念。
China Soong Ching Ling Foundation
先生创办中美交流基金会，积极推动中美民间交流，为促进中美人民友好作出卓越贡献。我会愿与中美交流基金会一邋继承董建华先生遗志，携手推进中美、中外民间交流，促进民心相通，让人民友好事业代代相传。
Liu Changle
Founder of Phoenix Satellite Television
讓人敬重的是，董先生以他的定力，他的底氣、他的溫厚與赤誠，硬是把“港人治港、高度自治”這八個字，從紙面上的方針，變成了香港人柴米油鹽裏的日常。他常掛在嘴邊那句話 “香港好，國家好，國家好，香港更好”，是他拿一輩子的心血試出來的真理。靠這個信念，他穩住了香港根基、守護了制度優勢，讓一國兩制的生命力在歲月中不斷延續。
Yang Jiemian
President Emeritus, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies
本人追随先生二十余年，促膝谈心间常受教诲，纵论天下时多得指导。先生是长者，对我后生诲人不倦；先生是尊者，对我书生礼贤下士；先生是前者，对我后进者提携有加；先生是达者，对我驽钝者循循善诱。本人观先生工作，皆为夙兴夜寐，靡有朝矣；学先生精神，都需殚精竭虑，为国为民。天不从愿夺国之栋梁之材；痛哉！先生逝去失我之良师益友。
Wang Jisi
Founding President, Institute of International and Strategic Studies, Peking University
At a time when bilateral relations were becoming increasingly difficult, he remained firmly committed to dialogue, mutual respect, and the conviction that greater understanding could help bridge differences.
Max Baucus
11th U.S. Ambassador to China
His love of Hong Kong was in his very fiber, and he wanted Americans to know, see and taste what he loved. I cannot remember meeting anyone with such integrity and high moral character along with persistent, positive resolve. He will always be in my heart.
Joe Tsai
Chairman, Alibaba Group
I have personally witnessed his dedication to this mission, even in his late years, as he braved long flights traveling to the United States to engage in dialogue with his friends and interlocutors in America. I am grateful to him as a mentor and, most importantly, he set an example for all of us as a man of honour, integrity, loyalty and leadership.
Kate Robertson
Co-Founder, One Young World
Everything Mr. Tung has achieved and planned with CUSEF is everything I believe in and the root cause of founding and continuing the work of One Young World. Without the wisdom of leaders like Mr. Tung, humanity cannot live in any semblance of hope and peace.
Alan Wong
Governor and Former Executive Director, CUSEF
It was one of the great privileges of my life to serve him for more than eight years. I believe history will remember him with great kindness, and his legacy will continue to inspire us in the years ahead. May he rest in peace.
Liu Changle
Founder of Phoenix Satellite Television
嗚呼董公，哀哉先生！
驚聞訃音，涕泗橫流。
香江斂色，維港含愁；
山河同悼，草木銜憂。
天不憖遗，奪我良儔；
如折梁棟，如失津舟。
音容宛在，永系心頭；
思之不見，此情悠悠。
Ella Robertson MacKay
Managing Director, One Young World
One Young World has been privileged to work with CUSEF in extending that spirit of exchange to emerging leaders. Although I did not have the opportunity to meet Mr Tung personally, the values he championed are clearly reflected in CUSEF’s continuing work and in the young people it supports.
Bill Owens
3rd Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Tung Chee Hwa was a valued friend and wonderful man in every way. He was a great Ambassador operating between the United States and China and a great friend of both countries. He knew many of the leaders in the United States and likewise in China, he fostered friendship between our two countries in a way that very few have done.
Guy Bradley
Chairman, John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited
His vision, international perspective, business experience and understanding of Hong Kong’s long-term interests kept the city on the right course, particularly during the Asian financial crisis and other periods of uncertainty. He met those trials with a strong sense of duty and an abiding faith in Hong Kong’s future.
Tai Tak-fung
Chairman, Four Seas Group
董先生胸懷家國，一生為國家與香港鞠躬盡瘁，是一位高瞻遠矚、宅心仁厚、氣度非凡的實踐家。董先生的離去，是國家、是香港的巨大損失，更是我個人痛失的一位良師益友。此時此刻，往昔與董先生相交、相知的點點滴滴湧上心頭，令我思緒萬千，百感交集。
Liu Xiaoming
China's Special Representative on Korean Peninsula Affairs
沉痛悼念，深切缅怀。我与董先生在美国和英国多次见面，2011年我访问香港期间多次与他会面，我们就中英、中美关系和共同关心的国际问题深入交换意见。仰先生学识渊博，见解深邃，宅心仁厚，德高望重，音容风范，永志不忘。
Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
作为中美民间交流的积极推动者，先生创立中美交流基金会，多年来奔走斡旋、搭桥铺路，积极促进中美智库、教育、人文等各领域交流对话，为夯实中美人民友好根基、推动两国良性互动发展倾注大量心血，作出卓越贡献。
Nirupama Rao
28th Foreign Secretary of India
I remember Mr. Tung Chee Hwa as a man of quiet dignity, unfailing courtesy and deep conviction. He carried the weight of an extraordinary historical transition. He did so with a profound sense of duty and an abiding concern for Hong Kong’s stability, prosperity and place in the world.
Yao Yunzhu
Retired Army Major General
惊闻董建华先生去世，深感悲痛。他是我最仰慕的香港人。多年前，他到北京参加政协会议期间，我曾多次参加他与在京中美关系学者的小范围餐叙。董先生和蔼可亲，认真听取意见，冷静发表看法，诚恳了解需求，并讨论他可能提供的帮助。
Daryl Ng
Chairman, Sino Group
What I admired most was not only his leadership, but also his kindness and humility. Despite his distinguished achievements, he was always generous with his time, thoughtful in his advice, and deeply caring towards others. Every conversation with him was an opportunity to learn.
Xiang Zhang
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Hong Kong
Mr. Tung was deeply devoted to the cause of education, putting into practice his belief in nurturing talent for the prosperity of our nation and society. His extraordinary vision and dedication are woven into the very fabric of our campus and will remain imprinted in the hearts of our students and faculty.
China Association for International Friendly Contact
先生一生刚正不阿、胸怀家国、鞠躬尽瘁，其高风亮节，风范长存。
董建华先生是中国对外民间友好事业的坚定支持者和积极推动者。2008年，先生以远见卓识创办中美交流基金会并亲任主席，多年来为增进中美两国人民的相互理解与信任殚精竭虑、架设桥梁。
Jonathan Choi
Chairman, Sunwah Group
Mr. Tung Chee-Hwa was a respected leader, a visionary statesman, and a dear mentor. Through the China-United States Exchange Foundation, Mr. Tung built vital bridges of international understanding with extraordinary foresight. His profound legacy of patriotism, peace, and public service will continue to inspire us.
Francis Lui
Chairman, Galaxy Entertainment Group
He believed that Hong Kong’s enduring strengths lay in its openness, talent, international connections and ability to contribute to national development. This conviction informed his public service and, later, his work through the China-United States Exchange Foundation.
Mr Tung will be remembered for his breadth of vision, steadfastness of character and devotion to the public good.
Vivien Chen
Honorary Chairman of Nan Fung Group
I am deeply grateful for Mr. Tung's wisdom, generosity, and unwavering commitment to fostering understanding among people and nations. His legacy shall continue to inspire those who believe that lasting peace is built on respect, trust, and meaningful exchange.
Zhu Yinghuang
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of China Daily
记得我第一次面见董先生应该是1997年中国日报香港版创刊的酒会上。他是那么地和蔼可亲，像我的长辈。发现我们能用普通话，上海话，宁波话和英文交谈，更觉得亲切。
董先生办公室发布的讣告里说：他為人剛正不阿，胸懷家國，鞠躬盡瘁，高風亮節。没有更准确的用词能表现董先生的为人了。这个时代太需要这样的好人，也太缺少这样的好人了。
Christopher Nixon Cox
Board Member, Richard Nixon Foundation
I remember meeting Mr. Tung Chee Hwa when I was a freshman in college in June 1997. I was struck by how a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders was so incredibly warm and welcoming to me. Throughout the course of my hour long meeting, his wit and charm were only surpassed by his towering intellect.
Margaret Chan
7th Director-General of the World Health Organization
As an architect and steadfast guardian of "One Country, Two Systems," his pioneering achievements and enduring patriotic spirit are forever etched in history. He will always be remembered.
His decades of public service represent an important chapter in Hong Kong’s modern history. His efforts to promote dialogue, strengthen global connections, and encourage deeper understanding between Hong Kong and international partners were widely recognized.
Bob Holden
Chairman, United States Heartland China Association
With the passing of Mr. Tung Chee Hwa, we have lost a thoughtful leader, whose vision and intelligence shaped the history of our world. I will always hold Mr. Tung in the highest regard as a public servant, to the peoples of Hong Kong, China, and the world. His dedication to promoting mutual understanding between the U.S. and China will continue to inspire us.
Jane Lee
President, Our Hong Kong Foundation
Even though OHKF and CUSEF have different roles to play in his mission, both foundations will continue to work in tandem to carry forward his legacy, supporting each other in closer partnership.
David Chiu
Chairman, Far East Group
Mr. Tung is a truly dear friend of my family. We will always remember Mr. Tung and strive to learn from his deep sense of patriotism, sincerity, kindness to all, and boundless love for Hong Kong.
Stephen Roach
Senior Fellow, Yale Law School, Yale University
CH was tenacious in his commitment to the engagement debate. He welcomed and encouraged outside views on China and Hong Kong from those of us from the West. He was utterly determined to find a constructive path for Sino-American re-engagement. And he was inherently optimistic that such a resolution was not just essential, but both possible and likely.
Timothy FOK
President, Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China
As Founder and Chairman, he built not just an institution, but a mission — one that seeks common ground in an increasingly divided world.
David M. Lampton
Professor Emeritus of China Studies, Johns Hopkins University
He had a compelling commitment to productive US-China-Hong Kong relations, which so many Americans and I share and will continue to pursue.
Mogens Lykketoft and Mette Holm
With the passing of Mr Tung Chee Hwa we are reminded of his fondness for Hong Kong and her people. He stood up for his principles and tried to be true to The Basic Law. His later founding of CUSEF was testament to this.
Sabrina W. Fung
Group Managing Director, Fung Retailing Group
His leadership fostered meaningful people-to-people connections that have left a lasting legacy. I feel privileged to have witnessed the impact of his work, and his vision will continue to inspire generations to come.
Alex Fang
Governor, China-United States Exchange Foundation
While I may not have agreed with all of his policies, I deeply respected his tolerance for criticism and his commitment to pluralism — qualities that have long made Hong Kong unique.
George H.W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations
Mr. Tung will be sorely missed, but his deep and positive impact on the world’s most consequential bilateral relationship will long endure.
Hong Kong Association of Overseas-Returned Scholars
董建華先生雖已遠行，但他愛國愛港的家國情懷、高瞻遠矚的戰略卓識、堅毅擔當的精神風範，將永遠激勵海學聯全體同仁砥礪前行。我們定當銘記先生囑託，繼承先生遺志，團結廣大海歸學人，發揮海歸人才的才幹和優勢，為香港的繁榮發展和民族復興偉業不遺餘力。
董先生與香海正覺蓮社創社社長、香港觀宗寺中興祖師、香港佛教前領袖覺光長老相識緣深、相交深厚，對香海正覺蓮社及香港觀宗寺的佛教安老、教育、慈善等多元志業的發展關懷備至，曾多次於百忙之中視察蓮社社屬安老服務單位和學校指導工作，至今仍令全體同仁感念不已。
China Institute of America
Mr. Tung will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude. His legacy will remain a meaningful part of China Institute and continue to inspire our work for generations to come.
Center for International Security and Strategy, Tsinghua University
董建华先生一生心系香港、心系国家、心系时代、心系人民。他一直关心中国与世界的关系，对清华大学战略与安全研究中心的建立与发展给予了巨大的帮助与支持。他崇高的爱国情怀与与卓著风范令人无比感佩，我们将永远铭记于心。
Center For China and Globalization
先生毕生奉献国家对外开放事业、守护香港繁荣稳定，深耕中外友好与全球化交流数十年。他始终站位全局、胸怀世界，长期引领并推动中国积极融入全球化进程，为深化中外文明互鉴、促进跨太平洋友好合作发挥了引领性、奠基性、支撑性的重要作用，是中国民间外交与全球化交流事业的崇高楷模与引路先贤。
Wang Dong
Executive Director, Peking University's Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding
惊闻董先生辞世，内心十分难过。董先生高瞻远瞩，风骨卓然，这是我们所有人巨大的损失。我也曾有幸得蒙董先生教诲，得瞻风采，如沐春风。董先生敦厚睿智，对晚辈极尽提携鼓励，每每念及，深切感激怀念。
Chen Wenling
Chief Economist, China Center for International Economic Exchanges
香江哽咽，正枫丹露白，星沉南粤。七子歌残归棹稳，首辟紫荆新阙。玉宇凭栏，狂澜力挽，砥柱浑如铁。国之大者，廿年襟抱冰雪。
犹记共渡重洋，深思远计，万里风云越。京邸聆音钦论道，自费尘衫霜笏。再架虹桥，再书华卷，再慰苍生热。千秋此际，一江明月同冽。
Institute of International and Strategic Studies, Peking University
Though Mr. Tung has passed away, he will be remembered forever.
We will keep his expectations in mind, continue our research on China-U.S. relations and global strategy, and carry forward his original aspiration and grand vision of advancing friendship between China and foreign countries.
Lawrence Lau
Former President, Chinese University of Hong Kong
He has made many indispensable contributions to Hong Kong, China and the world. He ensured a completely peaceful and smooth return to Chinese sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997. He improved the livelihood of the people of Hong Kong significantly and he also enhanced and helped stabilise China-U.S. relations. We shall all miss him dearly.
Wang Zhenmin
President, Tsinghua University's Institute for State Governances
惊悉董建华先生病逝，我深感悲痛和不舍！他一生奉献“一国两制”事业和民族复兴伟业，功勋卓著，垂范后世！他对清华大学和我本人的关心关照，激励我们继承他的遗志，发奋努力，勇毅前行！
Henry S. Tang
Co-Founder, Committee of 100
Together with his close friendship with I. M. Pei, Mr. Tung gave the Committee of 100 much of the prominence we have today. We have all benefited from his wisdom, counsel, guidance and benevolence.
Robert Ng
Former Chairman, Sino Group
C H is a true Patriot. His contribution to ‘One Country, Two Systems’ is immeasurable. We will all miss him.
David S.Y. Wong
Chairman, Dah Sing Bank
One of the most important achievements of Mr. C.H. Tung's administration was CEPA - the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership, and his vision for collaboration and not competition. It certainly was the first free-trade agreement between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding, Peking University
先生的远见格局与家国情怀，始终激励基地同仁潜心治学、为国服务。先生虽已离去，但其爱国爱港、推动中外友好的崇高精神，将如灯塔般指引我们前行。
哲人虽逝，高范长存。北京大学中外人文交流研究基地将铭记先生嘱托，深耕人文交流与国际关系研究，传承先生推动中外友好的初心与宏愿。
Carla Canales
Senior Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School
I have been deeply inspired by the legacy he created and by his unwavering commitment to building bridges between the United States and China. His vision feels especially important today, and I am profoundly grateful for the path he created for all of us who believe that even in difficult times, we must continue to find ways to remain in conversation.
Annie Wu
Co-Founder, Beijing Air Catering Co. Ltd
His contribution to the Hong Kong SAR has already borne fruit, and will continue to show and be recognised in Hong Kong’s coming years.
Jeffrey Lehman
Vice Chancellor, NYU Shanghai
He spoke with amazing candor about how challenging it was to try to manage the city’s transition, and how important it was for him to listen closely to his critics.
He cared profoundly about how China was perceived internationally and worked to build bridges, foster dialogue, and promote greater mutual understanding between China and the world.
Clarie Lo
Counsellor, China-United States Exchange Foundation
A visionary of the highest integrity, he devoted his life to the nation and Hong Kong, working tirelessly for the development and the well-being of the people. He commands our deepest respect.
Benjamin Hung
President, International for Standard Chartered Bank
Those who had the privilege of working closely with him will forever be touched by his warmth, wisdom and generosity of spirit. His dedicated effort in fostering greater trust between US and China at CUSEF is truly admirable. His legacy will live on in the people he inspired, the bridges he built, and the better future he worked tirelessly to advance.
Shanghai Institutes For International Studies
先生胸怀家国，坚守初心，坚定维护国家主权、安全、发展利益，躬身践行“一国两制”伟大实践，积极投身国家对外开放与港澳研究事业，高瞻远瞩，视野宏阔，在海内外具有广泛深远影响。
Allan Zeman
Chairman, Lan Kwai Fong Group
Beyond his formal achievements, he is remembered by many who have worked alongside him as a man of quiet integrity, humility, and genuine warmth, qualities that make him not only a respected statesman but a true friend and role model to those fortunate enough to know him personally.
Yenching Academy of Peking University
早在燕京学堂成立初期，董建华先生来访静园，与中外学生座谈交流，勉励青年学子要树立远大理想，为世界各领域的进一步对话与合作贡献自己的力量。先生彼时音容笑貌犹在眼前。
Yu Tiejun
President, Peking University’s Institute of International and Strategic Studies
惊悉董建华先生仙逝，深表哀悼！兹代表北京大学国际战略研究院全体同仁，遥致怀念之意并恭请节哀顺变。
殷殷嘱托，言犹在耳。斯人已逝，懿范长存，先生之风，永启后人！
© 2026 China-United States Exchange Foundation. All rights reserved.
All content on this website are owned by the China-United States Exchange Foundation, licensed to China-United States Exchange Foundation, or used with permission.
