Macao, December 20, 2024 – The Europe Today: Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to the “one country, two systems” framework during a ceremony on Friday, marking the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. Speaking at a televised event held in a major sports stadium in Macao, Xi praised the region’s transformative achievements over the past quarter-century.
The ceremony featured the inauguration of Sam Hou Fai, a 62-year-old former senior judge, as the sixth-term Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). President Xi presided over the swearing-in of Sam and his newly appointed team of principal officials.
Macao: A Model of Success
Addressing an audience of over 1,000 attendees, Xi emphasized that the success of Macao since its return to China highlights the institutional strengths and vitality of the “one country, two systems” policy.
“Macao’s remarkable achievements over the past 25 years stand as proof that ‘one country, two systems’ is a policy that ensures long-term prosperity and stability,” Xi said. He added that the policy serves China’s broader goals of national rejuvenation and fostering peaceful coexistence and cooperation between diverse social systems.
Macao, along with neighboring Hong Kong, operates under the “one country, two systems” principle, allowing them to maintain their capitalist systems and distinct lifestyles within the framework of socialist China. Xi reaffirmed the policy’s significance, calling it a shared value of peace, inclusiveness, openness, and mutual benefit between China and the global community.
“A Pearl on the Palm”
Upon his arrival in Macao on Wednesday, Xi described the SAR as “a pearl on the palm” of the motherland. During his visit, he toured the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, lauding its contributions to economic diversification in the region.
Xi also visited the Macau University of Science and Technology, underscoring the importance of education and innovation in driving Macao’s future development.
Looking Ahead
As Macao embarks on its next phase of development, Xi reiterated the central government’s unwavering support for the SAR. He expressed confidence in its continued role as a bridge between China and the rest of the world, contributing to national progress and international collaboration.
The celebration reaffirmed the strong ties between Macao and the mainland while showcasing the enduring success of the “one country, two systems” policy.
