Condolences continue pouring in from both SARS, taiwan
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.
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 ties 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.
Many influential figures, including Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng, have visited the mourning halls to express their grief earlier. .
Jiang attended the handover ceremonies of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in 1997 and Macao’s return in 1999, which were the SARs’ most important historical moments.