HONG KONG -- Tung Chee-hwa, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and former Hong Kong chief executive, received Hong Kong's highest honor - Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM) Saturday.

Speaking after the presentation ceremony, Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said that, under the leadership of Tung, his predecessor, Hong Kong had successfully implemented the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" and had strengthened financial co-operation with the mainland.

In reply, Tung said he was honored to receive the award, and praised Tsang as a good Chief Executive. He said he would fully support him.

A total of 227 people have been given awards in this year's Honors List. Besides Tung, the other two Grand Bauhinia Medal recipients are executive councilor Charles Lee and former CPPCC Standing Committee member Lee Tung-hai.