Xi Jinping Celebrates Macau’s 25th Anniversary, Inaugurates New government
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Macau marked a significant milestone on December 20th, 2023, with a grand celebration commemorating teh 25th anniversary of its return to China and the inauguration of its sixth government. the event, held at the Macau East Asian Games Stadium, was graced by the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who delivered a key address outlining the region’s achievements and future prospects.
The atmosphere was described as both solemn and celebratory. As President Xi Jinping and his wife,Peng Liyuan,arrived alongside Macau’s sixth Chief Executive,Ho Iat Seng,and his wife,Huang Keping,the audience erupted in warm applause.The national flag of the People’s Republic of China, the national emblem, and the regional flag of the Macao Special Administrative region were prominently displayed.
The ceremony commenced with the singing of the national anthem, followed by the swearing-in of ho Iat Seng as Chief Executive. “Facing the national flag, national emblem, and regional flag of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, he raised his right hand and took a solemn oath,” according to official reports. President Xi Jinping then personally administered the oaths to the other principal officials of the sixth government and members of the Executive Council.
In his address,President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations to Ho Iat seng and the new government,stating,”I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our compatriots at home and abroad and international friends who have long cared for and supported the cause of ’one country,two systems’ and the prosperity and stable advancement of Macao.”
“One Country, Two Systems”: A Success Story
President Xi Jinping highlighted the remarkable progress Macau has made since its return to China.He emphasized that the ”one country, two systems” framework has been instrumental in safeguarding national interests while fostering economic growth and improving the lives of Macau’s residents. He noted, “In the 25 years since Macao returned to the motherland, the ‘one country, two systems’ institutional system has been continuously improved, and national sovereignty, security, and development interests have been effectively safeguarded; economic and social development has achieved a historic leap, and residents’ sense of gain, happiness, and security have been greatly enhanced.”
The President’s speech underscored the enduring success of the “one country, two systems” principle, emphasizing its role in maintaining long-term prosperity and stability, not only for Macau but also as a model for peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. He stressed the importance of adhering to this framework for the long term.
The celebration served as a powerful testament to Macau’s journey and a reaffirmation of China’s commitment to the “one country, two systems” principle. the event’s significance extends beyond Macau, offering insights into China’s approach to governance and its vision for the future of Hong Kong and other regions under this framework.
Xi Jinping Charts Course for Macao’s Future Under “One Country, Two Systems”
President Xi Jinping recently delivered a significant address outlining his vision for Macao’s future under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. His remarks,delivered during a pivotal moment for the region,emphasized four key pillars for sustained prosperity and stability.
Four Pillars for Macao’s Success
Xi Jinping stressed the importance of adhering to the essential principle of “one country” while leveraging the benefits of “two systems.” He emphasized the need to uphold national sovereignty and security while respecting Macao’s high degree of autonomy.”we must always uphold national sovereignty, security, and development interests above all else, and implement the central government’s comprehensive governance power and cannot be shaken at any time,” Xi stated. simultaneously, he underscored the importance of fully guaranteeing Macao’s autonomy and continuing to implement the principles of “one country, two systems,” “Macao people governing Macao,” and a high degree of autonomy.
Security and high-quality development were identified as intrinsically linked. Xi Jinping stressed the need to maintain stability while fostering economic growth and innovation. He urged Macao to leverage its unique advantages to strengthen both domestic and international connections, promoting deeper integration with China’s national development strategy. “With a more open and inclusive attitude, we will extensively expand international connections and enhance global influence and attraction,” Xi declared.
Furthermore, Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of fostering core values, promoting tolerance, and building harmony within Macao’s diverse society. He called for the cultivation of patriotism and the unification of positive forces to support the “one country, two systems” principle both domestically and internationally. “Inherit the core values of patriotism, love for Hong Kong and patriotism for Macao, enhance multicultural exchanges and integration, gather all positive forces, and draw the largest concentric circles to support the cause of ‘one country, two systems’ at home and abroad,” he emphasized.
Hopes for Macao’s New Leadership
Xi Jinping also expressed four key hopes for Macao’s new Chief Executive,Ho Iat Seng: promoting moderately diversified economic development; improving governance efficiency; creating a higher-level platform for opening to the outside world; and maintaining social harmony and stability.
Addressing Macao’s youth, Xi Jinping stated, “Young people are the hope and future of Macao and an effective force in building Macao and the country. It is hoped that the majority of young people will care about Macao and the country, have high aspirations and be down-to-earth, and be good builders and successors of the cause of ‘one country, two systems’.”
In his own address, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng pledged to uphold the governance concept of “working hard and upholding integrity and innovation,” and to comprehensively, accurately, and unswervingly implement the “one country, two systems” policy. “We believe that with the strong backing of the great motherland and the united struggle of all Macao citizens,we have the confidence and ability to make Macao…even more dazzling,” he affirmed.
Xi Jinping concluded by expressing confidence in Macao’s future, emphasizing that with the continued implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy and the strong support of mainland China, Macao will continue to thrive and contribute to the nation’s overall development.
Macau Celebrates 25 Years Since Return to china
Macau commemorated the 25th anniversary of its return to China on December 20th, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the region’s history. The event showcased the city’s unique journey as a Special Administrative Region (SAR), balancing its integration with mainland China while preserving its distinct identity and economic dynamism.
The celebrations included a high-profile conference and inauguration ceremony, attended by prominent figures from both mainland China and Macau. Among the attendees were senior Chinese officials, including Cai Qi, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Wang Xiaohong, Wang Dongfeng, and Xia Baolong. The event also drew participation from Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and former Macau Chief Executives Chui Sai on and Ho Iat Seng. Representatives from various sectors of Macau’s society and special guests also joined the festivities.
While specific details of the speeches and events weren’t publicly released in detail, the anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the “one country, two systems” framework under which Macau operates. This framework, also employed in Hong Kong, allows for a high degree of autonomy while remaining under Chinese sovereignty. The success of this model in Macau,especially its economic growth,is often cited as a point of pride for both China and the region.
The anniversary celebrations underscore the ongoing evolution of Macau’s relationship with mainland China. The event highlighted the city’s commitment to continued economic development and its unique contribution to the broader Chinese narrative of national progress. The long-term implications of this relationship, and the continued success of the “one country, two systems” framework, remain a subject of ongoing international interest and analysis.
The enduring success of Macau’s unique model offers valuable insights into the complexities of balancing national unity with regional autonomy, a challenge faced by many nations globally. The 25th anniversary provides a platform to reflect on past achievements and chart a course for future prosperity and stability.
President Xi Jinping’s recent address outlined his vision for Macau’s future under the “One country, Two Systems” framework. Delivered during the handover anniversary celebrations,Xi Jinping’s remarks emphasized four key pillars for sustained prosperity and stability in Macau:
Upholding “One Country” principle and respecting “Two Systems”: Xi Jinping stressed the importance of upholding national sovereignty and security while respecting Macau’s high degree of autonomy.
Security and high-quality development: He emphasized the need to maintain stability whilst fostering economic growth and innovation.
Promoting core values and social harmony: Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of fostering patriotism, tolerance, and unity within Macau’s diverse society.
Confidence in Macau’s new leadership: He expressed four key hopes for Macau’s new Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng: promoting moderately diversified economic development; improving governance efficiency; creating a higher-level platform for opening to the outside world; and maintaining social harmony and stability.
Xi Jinping highlighted Macau’s remarkable progress since its return to China in 1999 under the “one country, two systems” framework. The President’s speech underscored the enduring success of the principle,emphasizing its role in maintaining long-term prosperity and stability.The event served as a powerful testament to Macau’s journey and a reaffirmation of China’s commitment to the “one country, two systems” principle.
By adopting a more open and inclusive attitude and leveraging its unique advantages, Xi Jinping urged, Macau can strengthen both domestic and international connections, fostering deeper integration with China’s national development strategy and enhancing its global influence and attraction.
He concluded by addressing Macau’s youth, stating, “Young people are the hope and future of Macao and an effective force in building Macao and the country. It is hoped that the majority of young people will care about Macao and the country, have high aspirations and be down-to-earth, and be good builders and successors of the cause of ‘one country, two systems.'”
This key address provides valuable insights into China’s approach to governance and its vision for the future not only for Macau but also for other regions under this principle.
