China's State Council on Wednesday approved the resignation of Hong Kong Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang as Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration in line with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR.

In accordance with the Basic Law, resigning as chief secretary for administration also means that Tsang is no longer the acting Chief Executive of the SAR.

That position has been filled by Hong Kong Financial Secretary Henry Tang.

Tsang, who became the acting Chief Executive in March, tendered his resignation on May 25 to prepare for the Chief Executive elections.

(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2005)