Comrade Jiang had attended HK, Macao handover ceremonies

People from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan expressed deep condolences over the passing of Jiang Zemin as the country mourns the late leader.

National flags and regional flags were flown at half-staff at main government buildings in Hong Kong and Macao from Thursday. The central government's liaison offices in the two SARs have each set up a mourning hall to receive condolences from the community.

Groups of locals and many influential figures, including the chief executives of the two SARs, have visited the mourning halls to express their grief.

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that, as 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, Jiang was widely recognized as an outstanding leader with high prestige.

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", making great contributions to the realization of the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macao, Lee said.

Jiang had attended the Hong Kong handover ceremony in 1997.

Lee pledged to spare no effort in the full and faithful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle to ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, contributing to the realization of national rejuvenation.

Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iatseng also expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Jiang, saying that Jiang cared deeply about the development of Macao and the lives of Macao compatriots.

Jiang attended the handover ceremony of Macao's return to the motherland in 1999, which was Macao's most important historical moment.

In December 2000, on the first anniversary of the city's return to the motherland, he also visited Macao and had close contact with locals. Macao will always remember and miss Jiang's contribution, Ho said.

Tung Chee-hwa, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the first chief executive of the HKSAR, hailed Jiang as a great and wise political leader who successfully implemented the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong".

Leung Chun-ying, another former chief executive of the HKSAR, said that under Jiang's leadership, the HKSAR was able to overcome various difficulties during its crucial transition period after the handover. Jiang had always supported the social and economic development of Hong Kong and provided great development room for the city, under the reform and opening-up policy and the nation's efforts to build a modern socialist country.

Before a legislative meeting on Friday, Hong Kong lawmakers observed a minute of silence in memory of Jiang.

On behalf of all lawmakers, Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, president of Hong Kong's Legislative Council, said Jiang had fostered a closer relationship and better mutual understanding between the Chinese mainland and the HKSAR, and he contributed much to the SAR's long-term stability and prosperity.

In spite of the chilly weather, thousands of Hong Kong residents gathered outside the liaison office building in the city to express their condolences, forming a long line of about 100 meters. They were dressed in black, carrying white flowers and photos of Jiang.

Among them were elderly people who had close contact with Jiang when he visited Hong Kong decades ago, and numerous people who were inspired by Jiang and showed great respect for him.

A local man brought his 7-year-old son to present a bouquet in Jiang's memory. His son learned at school that Jiang had done a lot of great things for the country and he also hopes to make his contributions to the nation when he grows up.

People from different walks of life in Taiwan, including Eric Chu Li-luan, chairman of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang party; Hou Yu-ih, mayor of New Taipei City of Taiwan; Yok Mu-ming, former chairman of Taiwan's New Party; and Kao Yu-jen, chairman of the 21st Century Foundation, a think tank in Taiwan, also expressed their condolences over the passing of Jiang.

Expressing their sorrow, representatives from several associations of Taiwan investment enterprises in mainland cities said they were grateful for Jiang's dedication to the development of cross-Straits relations and his care for Taiwan compatriots.

Lee Cheng-hung, president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland, told Xinhua News Agency that Taiwan businesspeople and compatriots should work harder to promote cross-Straits cooperation and integrated development, and promote the peaceful reunification of the two sides of the Straits.

Li Bingcun and Xinhua contributed to this story.