Chinese President Xi Jinping began his three-day visit to Macau today, marking the 25th anniversary of the casino city’s return to Chinese rule. The celebration was met with fanfare as Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan were welcomed at the airport with traditional lion and dragon dances.
During his arrival, Xi expressed his admiration for Macau, stating, "Macao is the pearl in the motherland’s palm." This sentiment reflects the significance of the city, which was handed over from Portuguese administration to China on December 20, 1999, under the 'one country, two systems' framework, promising Macau the autonomy to maintain its own legal and economic systems unique from the Chinese mainland.
Macau, with its population of 687,000, has over the past quarter-century transformed from largely being under the control of gambling monopolies to becoming the world’s largest gambling hub. This massive shift was largely fueled by the influx of visitors from mainland China, which has made it the preferred destination for casino gaming, outpacing even Las Vegas.
While attending the opening ceremonies, Xi remarked, "Over the past 25 years, the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle with Macau characteristics has achieved world-recognised success, and has demonstrated vitality and unique appeal." Amidst the celebrations, Xi's visit also aims to discuss the future direction of Macau's economy, which has been traditionally dependent on the gaming industry.
The city has been urged to diversify its economy, as local leaders stress the necessity of integrating more sectors beyond gaming and tourism. Sam Hou-fai, who was recently elected as Macau’s new Chief Executive and will be sworn in during this visit, emphasized the need for sustainability, stating, "Macau cannot rely solely on casinos, which account for 81% of government revenue."">
Security measures have tightened significantly during Xi’s visit, reflecting heightened vigilance by the Beijing government. This includes restrictions on drone flights and increased presence of security personnel throughout the city. The U.S. consulate services have also faced disruptions, making it clear how politically sensitive the event is deemed by Beijing.
The anniversary is not just about celebrating success; it’s also about reflecting on progress since the handover. Residents like Cheong, who shared their views on conditions for young people, expressed concern for living environments, saying, "A lot of people in Macau have living environments... less than ideal."
Looking forward, authorities aim to highlight and inspect plans for future developments, as Xi is expected to advocate for enhanced investment opportunities, including the recently allocated special zone on neighboring Hengqin Island aimed at boosting local development.
There is cautious optimism about this anniversary among the populace. While many residents feel the improvements under Chinese governance, they also recognize the challenges brought by the pandemic and current economic conditions. A resident named Lau spoke to this sense of optimism reflecting on the past few decades: "After 20-odd years, (Macau's) development has stabilized and so has my mood, which lets me hope for the future."
Macau’s relationship with Beijing is complex, with the local administration reinforcing governance limits on political activism post-2019. Authorities banned public commemorations related to sensitive political events, including the Tiananmen Square massacre, significantly altering the civil liberties once perceived as inherent under the 'one country, two systems' framework. This has left pro-democracy activists increasingly cautious about speaking out.
Overall, Xi’s visit will potentially influence the future course of Macau's governance and economy as he gathers insights on local challenges and explores measures to encourage diversification beyond its gaming roots. He is expected to communicate expectations to the new government during his trip, focusing on synergy within the Greater Bay Area development framework, aimed at fostering regional integration and prosperity.
