Principles for Progress
Since Macao returned to China from Portuguese control on December 20, 1999, the principles of “one country, two systems” and “Macao people administering Macao” have been implemented, giving Macao a high degree of autonomy.
With the support of the Central Government and the joint efforts of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government and people of Macao, the region’s economy has developed rapidly and people’s livelihood improved significantly.
Macao enjoys social stability with diverse cultures living in harmony. Utilizing its advantages of being bilingual, using Chinese and Portuguese in daily life, Macao is evolving into an important platform for trade and economic exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. It is also developing into a world tourism and leisure center.
Macao’s progress is due to the implementation of the Chinese Constitution and the Macao Basic Law as well as the people’s identification with the motherland. The Basic Law, which was formulated based on the Constitution, is in line with the fundamental interests of the country and Macao’s realities and has stood the test of time and practice.
The successful implementation of the Basic Law over the past two decades indicates that it can be done only when a society recognizes its roots and its role in the entire country. Macao’s prosperity and stability come from safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development. By aligning with national development strategies, Macao has ensured a bright future for itself. The Basic Law is the legal foundation for the island’s economic growth, people’s livelihood and long-term social stability and prosperity. It’s also the guarantee for national sovereignty, security and development.
The Central Government’s “one country, two systems” policy won’t change. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in October decided on how to uphold and improve the system based on the experience of implementing it in Hong Kong SAR and Macao. The system was listed as one of the 13 prominent advantages of China’s system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the national governance system.
National development strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-hong Kong-macao Greater Bay Area that blueprints integrated growth of the three regions, have opened up new opportunities for Macao’s progress. As long as Macao continues to comply with the Constitution and the Basic Law and follow the system of “one country, two systems,” its future remains bright.