The 25th anniversary of the transfer of sovereignty “one country, two systems” has shown significant advantages in Macao

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the return to China, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macau, He praised the principle of “one country, two systems” as a good system and stressed that it must be adhered to for a long time to ensure that the principles of “one country, two systems” and a high degree of autonomy will not change, remain unshaken, go out of shape or become deformed.

On Dec 20, the General Conference to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China and the inauguration ceremony of the new government of the Macao Special Administrative Region was held in Macao. In his speech at the meeting, Xi Jinping pointed out that the brilliant achievements made by Macao since its return have proved to the world that one country, two systems has significant institutional advantages and strong vitality. It is a good system for maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao, and a good system for serving the great cause of building a strong country and rejuvenating the nation. System is a good system for achieving peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between different social systems, and must be adhered to for a long time.

The “Story of Haojiang” has written a new chapter, and the “Lotus Flower of the Prosperous Era” is in full bloom. The past 25 years since Macao’s return to China have witnessed the fastest and highest quality development in the history of Macao, and the strongest sense of happiness and security for its residents. The system of “one country, two systems” has been continuously improved, its economic and social development has made historic strides, its external cooperation has continued to expand, and Macao has achieved the best development situation in its history. The practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics has achieved great success recognized by the world.

In institutional development, from the successful completion of legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law to the systematic establishment of a legal system and an enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security, to the full implementation of the principle of “patriots governing Macao” in the Chief Executive and Legislative Council elections, the constitutional order of the SAR has been firmly established and the governance system has been improving. Looking at economic development, the gross regional product (GDP) increased from 51.9 billion patacas in 1999 to 379.5 billion patacas in 2023. Per capita GDP increased from US $15,000 to US $69,000, ranking among the highest in the world. China has made steady progress in moderately diversified economic development and ensured strong livelihood protection. In terms of foreign exchanges, the number of regions participating in international organizations and institutions has increased to over 190, stable economic and trade relations have been established with over 120 countries and regions, and the “circle of friends” around the world has grown and the region’s international influence has risen significantly. Macao, the pearl of China, enjoys good governance, harmony, wealth and prosperity, and enjoys a global reputation. It has continuously burnished its “golden card” as an international metropolis.

Over the past 25 years, Macao has grown from a small town to an internationally renowned city, proving to the world that the great initiative of “one country, two systems” is workable, achievable and popular. Before and after the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China, the Macao National flag flew in the wind, banners and posters filled the streets and every corner, and colorful celebrations took place one after another… There was a joyful and festive atmosphere everywhere, as the whole city celebrated the 25th anniversary of its return to China.

“President Xi said that I came here this time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to China with my compatriots, and to see the new developments and changes in Macau in recent years. This makes me feel warm.” 76-year-old Macau Neighborhood Association Yao Hongming, the former head of the United Federation of Nations, said. Guan Weiming, the owner of a fish stall in Macau’s Red Market, hung a brand-new regional flag on his stall and even wore festive clothes. “President Xi’s concern makes Macao people very grateful. I wrote a couplet: ‘In the prosperous times, dragons passed down the mirror and the sea prospered, and the markets were popular and all businesses prospered.’ I wanted to tell President Xi that our days are getting more and more prosperous.” This is Macau residents express their heartfelt admiration.

“President Xi has always cared about and cared about the youth of Macao, giving us sincere teachings and lighting up our dreams.” said Zhang Zhenwei, a doctoral student at the State Key Laboratory of Smart City Internet of Things at the University of Macau. “We will keep in mind President Xi’s instructions and inherit the patriotism and love for Macao. spirit, bravely set the trend of scientific and technological innovation, and use the knowledge learned to contribute to national development and help Macao’s prosperity.” This is the voice of Macao’s scientific and technological workers.

Practice has proved that the “one country, two systems” system has laid a solid foundation for Macao’s development. The principle of “achieving prosperity and benefiting the world at the same time” reflects the political wisdom of the Chinese nation, which also embodies its responsibility to take the world as its own. How to seek common ground while reserving differences? How to cooperate for win-win results? Macao’s remarkable achievements since its return have proved to the world that “one country, two systems” enjoys remarkable institutional advantages and strong vitality. “One country, two systems” is a matter of family and state affairs. The values of peace, inclusiveness, openness and shared benefits embodied in this principle belong to both China and the world and deserve our joint protection.