This file photo shows President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Tung Chee Hwa in Beijing March 5, 2005. (Xinhua Photo)

Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa confirmed rampant rumors yesterday and announced that he has handed in his resignation to the central government.
Tung told a news conference in Hong Kong that he was stepping down for health reasons.
"An hour ago I tendered my resignation as chief executive ... my health is not as good as it used to be. I can't stand up for long," Tung said, putting an end to his long silence over news reports of his impending departure.
He said if the central government accepts his resignation, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang will take over as acting chief executive until elections are held in six months.
The chief executive said he had to take painkillers to help him stand through a policy speech in January and added that his biggest regret was being unable to serve until his term ends in mid-2007.
"My health was obviously not as good as it used to be because of long-time hard work," he said.
Tung said he decided to submit his resignation with the interests of Hong Kong and the nation in mind. He said the overall situation in Hong Kong is good, and he is more confident about Hong Kong's prospects now than when he took office.
Tung, 67, was elected as the first chief executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in December 1996 and was reelected to a second term in February 2002.
He was inducted as a member of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on February 28.
Tung is scheduled to depart today for Beijing to attend the annual session of the CPPCC, which ends tomorrow.