The President, Mr Xi Jinping, today praised the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), and people across society, for firm implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle in the light of the realities on the ground.

Their bold exploration and creativity had brought about many highlights in the practise of “One country, two systems”, said President Xi. During a dinner this evening hosted by the SAR Government to welcome him on his three-day visit to Macao, he outlined in a speech five highlights of Macao’s practise of the principle.

The reception and dinner, held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, was attended by about 600 dignitaries. They included the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and his wife Ms Fok Wai Fun; the fifth-term Chief Executive, Mr Ho Iat Seng, and his wife; and Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wah.

The first highlight mentioned by President Xi was that loving the motherland as well as Macao had become a core value across society. The SAR Government and people across society in Macao knew full well that the future of Macao was closely linked with the future of the motherland. They had ever more firmly placed love for the motherland and for Macao front and centre, i.e., as core values. In particular, Macao had carried out extensive patriotic education among the young, said President Xi.

The second highlight of Macao’s implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle was that the authority of the Constitution and the Macao Basic Law had been firmly upheld. President Xi mentioned that a well-coordinated system had been established for public awareness and education on the ‘two laws’, i.e., the Constitution and the Macao Basic Law. Such efforts included courses targeted at students and public officials. In addition, for five years in a row, events had occurred in Macao on National Constitution Day, in order to foster a favourable environment for the Constitution to be respected, studied, observed, upheld and applied, noted President Xi.

The third highlight of Macao’s implementation effort was that the executive-led system had functioned smoothly. Under the leadership of the Chief Executive, the executive and legislative branches of the SAR Government functioned in coordination and through application of checks and balances. Each branch had clearly-defined powers and responsibilities and each performed its duty in accordance with law. While ensuring the continuity and consistency of its policies, the SAR Government had kept abreast of the times and advanced reforms in public administration in keeping with economic and social development, as well as people’s expectations.

The fourth highlight was that an emphasis had been placed on Macao’s effort to integrate with the overall development of the country. Macao had seized the important opportunities presented by the “Belt and Road” initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and made full use of the policy incentives provided by the Central Government. Macao’s cooperation with the mainland was taking place in an increasing number of fields – and at higher levels – thanks to better mechanisms. Such cooperation had greatly boosted the coordinated and mutually-beneficial development of Macao and the mainland.

The fifth highlight of Macao’s implementation of “One country, two systems” – as referred to by President Xi – was that an atmosphere of inclusiveness and harmony had strengthened social cohesion. Macao knew full well that “a family of harmony prospers” and that amity brings good fortune. In practice, Macao had chosen unity and consultation over contention and infighting and rejected all sorts of disturbance from the outside.

In his speech during the reception, President Xi said he was deeply impressed by the enormous changes that had taken place over the five years that had passed since his previous visit.

President Xi concluded his speech by saying he was firmly convinced that the practise of “One country, two systems” with Macao characteristics would go on to achieve even greater success and that people in Macao would make even greater contributions to realising the Chinese dream of great national renewal.

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui, noted in his speech, that during the 20 years since the return of Macao to China, Macao had boarded the express train of the nation’s development and continued to follow in the country’s footsteps regarding growth. This had enabled a rapid and robust development of Macao. Its overall progress and accomplishments in various aspects were evident. These were made possible with the full support of the Central Government and the joint efforts of all Macao residents.

The Chief Executive also shared insights into his personal experience of the implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle. He said he had come fully to understand through those 20 years, that the key to the success of Macao in implementing the policy was the full and faithful implementation of the Constitution and the Macao Basic Law. At the core of such practise was Macao’s accurate interpretation of, and sincere commitment to, the nation’s political system and core values.

The Macao SAR had ushered in a new epoch, said Mr Chui. It had become even clearer that the achievements of Macao were indivisible from the care and support given by President Xi and the Central Government, as well as the relentless efforts of the SAR Government and the various sectors of the community.

Mr Chui added he believed that under the precise leadership of – and with the full support of – the Central Government, the Fifth-term Chief Executive, Mr Ho Iat Seng, would guide Macao to press on with full and accurate implementation of the Macao Basic Law; and the firm upholding of the “One country, two systems” principle with Macao characteristics. The SAR Government would continue to be run in strict accordance with law and in a proactive and down-to-earth manner. It would forge ahead with the ‘“One country, two systems” principle and strive to scale new heights, Mr Chui said.

After the reception, President Xi attended a gala performance – also held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome – celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Macao SAR.