A number of Hong Kong Chinese language newspapers carried editorials Sunday to highly praise Tung Chee Hwa's historic role for successfully implementing the principle of "one Country, two Systems."

The editorials also warmly congratulated Tung on his election as vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Wen Wei Po said in its editorial that Tung was elected as the vice chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC -- another great trust in Tung Chee Hwa by the state and the nation.

It also showed the central authorities attach great importance to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the paper said.

The editorial added that Tung loves his motherland and loves Hong Kong. During more than seven years in his term of office as the Hong Kong chief executive, he has done a lot of pioneering work in successfully practicing the principle of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong governing Hong Kong" and a great degree of autonomy in Hong Kong.

The editorial said Tung has made major contributions to maintaining stability and prosperity in Hong Kong, All these represented his high sense of responsibility for the nation and Hong Kong.

The daily said Tung has performed his duties faithfully, always being clean and honest, enduring all hardship, and taking pleasure in his dedication and sacrifice in his work.

The editorial said, Tung has not only been highly praised by the central government, but also won the respect and praise of people of various walks of life in Hong Kong, Chinese mainland and the international community.

The paper said, after Hong Kong was on track of economic recovery and social, political situation has been improved, Tung submitted to the central government his request for resignation from the post. This indicates Tung's high sense of responsibility for the nation and Hong Kong as well.

The editorial said, though Hong Kong community felt regret for his resignation, it expressed understanding and respected Tung's choice.

Hong Kong Commercial Daily said in its editorial that during his terms of office as chief executive, Tung not only encountered with the brand new subjects as the implementation of the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, but also faced challenges as Asian financial crisis and SARS.

The paper said, Tung Chee Hwa has lived up to expectations of people in Hong Kong and all over China. Hong Kong has maintained stability, and "one country, two systems" principle has been effectively implemented due to common efforts from Tung Chee Hwa and Hong Kong people.

Ta Kung Pao said, as the first and second-term chief executive of HKSAR, Tung's utmost contribution is his pioneering effective practice of the "one country, two systems" principle, the enhancing of Hong Kong people's understanding of the Chinese nation and the starting of a good cooperative relations between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, especially the Pearl River Delta region.

The daily also praised Tung for his efforts in improving Hong Kong's image as a place of a free economy and rule of law in the international community.