CPC 101: Macao's Return to China

From the midnight of the 19th to early morning of the 20th of December, 1999, the Chinese and Portuguese governments held a handover ceremony in Macao. Jiang Zemin, then President of the People’s Republic of China, solemnly declared that the Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao.

Following Hong Kong’s return to the motherland on July 1, 1997, Macao’s return marks another milestone on the grand journey of China’s rejuvenation.

After its return to the motherland, Macao was incorporated into the national governance system as a Special Administrative Region directly under the central government. The central government governs Macao in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law of Macao SAR. The legal system of Macao was later established on this basis.

Macao’s connections with the country's mainland have since grown closer and closer. Thanks to the strong support of the central government, Macao has properly dealt with a series of economic and social issues. The national security law it introduced has helped maintain economic and social prosperity and stability in Macao. Macao has scored remarkable achievements over the years.

Reality has shown that “one country, two systems” is the best solution to issues left over from history, and the best institutional arrangement to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Macao.

Entering the new era, Macao is deeply involved in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, further integrated into the country's overall development, and is forging ahead with new achievements under “one country, two systems”.