China claims to guarantee a high degree of autonomy for Macao.

On the morning of December 20th, the Macao Special Administrative Region held a ceremony to celebrate the 15th anniversary of its return to China and the inauguration of the Macao government for its fourth term.

Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed the importance of the "one country, two systems" policy, "Macau people governing Macao people," and the consistent implementation of Macao's autonomy. Through this, the central government's governance and leadership are exercised, social order is ensured, and the interests of the people are taken care of.

The Chinese President visited Macau on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the return of Macau. Photo: ZUMA Press

Going forward, China will continue to implement the "one country, two systems" policy, considering it a fundamental national policy to ensure the stability, development, and prosperity of both Macao and Hong Kong.

President Xi Jinping also affirmed that China will continue to adhere to the principle of governing Macao according to the law, respecting the differences between the two regimes on the basis of one country, maintaining the power of the central government while ensuring a high degree of autonomy for the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed: “We must continue to promote the cause of ‘one country, two systems,’ safeguard China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests, and ensure the long-term stable and prosperous development of Hong Kong and Macao. We must adhere to the principle of governing Hong Kong and Macao according to the law, ensuring the implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. We must respect the differences between the two systems on the basis of one country, ensuring the authority of the central government and the high degree of autonomy of the Macao Special Administrative Region.”

Macau was formerly a Portuguese colony and was handed over to China on December 20, 1999. Macau has a total area of ​​32.8 square kilometers and a population of approximately 550,000, but boasts total foreign exchange reserves of US$16.1 billion and the fourth-highest per capita income in the world at US$87,000. Over the past 15 years, the Macau Special Administrative Region has held four elections for its chief executive.

According to VOV