Hong Kong joins mainland China in observing 3 minutes of silence for late former state leader Jiang Zemin
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Hong Kong on Tuesday observed a moment of silence for late Chinese president Jiang Zemin as government agencies along with other sectors from the courts to hospitals and schools paid their final tribute to the former state leader.
The city joined millions in mainland China in honouring Jiang, with his state funeral beginning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 10am.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and his principal officials gathered at government headquarters to watch the live broadcast of the memorial service. Formally dressed in black and wearing white masks, the 100-strong group observed three minutes of silence at 10am “to express their deep condolences to Chairman Jiang”, according to a government statement.
“The death of President Jiang is an immeasurable loss to our country,” Lee wrote on Facebook later. “As President Xi Jinping said, Jiang’s famous name, achievements, thoughts and demeanour will forever be recorded in the annals of history and engraved in the hearts of the people from generation to generation.”
Executive councillors, members of Lee’s key decision-making body, alongside major officials of policy bureaus and departments also joined the government tribute. The weekly Executive Council meeting was held after the service.
