Xi highlights progress in promoting “one country, two systems” during celebration of Macao SAR anniversary and inauguration of new government

MACAU — A meeting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth term of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government was held Friday morning at the Asian Games Dome in Eastern Macau. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the meeting and delivered an important speech.

Over the past 25 years since Macao’s return to the motherland, tremendous success has been achieved in promoting the cause of “one country, two systems” with distinctive characteristics of Macao, Xi noted, stressing that Macau had undergone an earth-shaking transformation and its international position had increased significantly. He expressed hope that the new SAR government would rally and lead Macau people from all walks of life to seize opportunities, pursue reforms, shoulder responsibilities and make greater contributions. This involves further leveraging the institutional strength of the “one country, two systems” principle and making new achievements in high-quality advancement of the “one country, two systems” cause, he said.

Inside the room, the atmosphere was solemn and warm. On the podium, the national flag and national emblem of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as well as the regional flag of the Macao SAR, attracted particular attention. When Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, entered the hall accompanied by Sam Hou Fai, the sixth director-general of the Macao SAR, and his wife, Wong Ho Peng, the audience stood up and gave a warm round of applause.

At 10:00 a.m., the celebration and inauguration ceremony began. Everyone stood up and sang the national anthem of the PRC.

Xi took the podium to administer the oath of office. Sam took the oath first. Facing the national flag, national emblem and regional flag of the Macao SAR, he raised his right hand and solemnly took the oath in accordance with the Basic Law of the Macao SAR. After taking the oath, Xi and Sam shook hands firmly.

Next, Xi administered the oath to key officials of the sixth-term government of the Macau SAR, led by Sam. After the oath was taken, Xi shook hands with each of them.

Next, Sam administered the oath of office to the members of the Macau SAR Executive Council.

To warm applause, Xi delivered an important speech. First, on behalf of the central government and the people of all ethnic groups in China, he extended cordial greetings to all people of Macao. He extended warm congratulations to Mr. Sam Hou Fai, the new Director-General of the Macao SAR for his sixth term, as well as key officials of the Macao SAR Government for his sixth term and members of the Executive Council of Macao SAR. He also expressed sincere gratitude to all his Chinese compatriots, both at home and abroad, as well as his foreign friends for their long-standing commitment and support for the “one country, two” cause. systems” and the prosperity, stability and development of Macao.

He pointed out that over the past 25 years since Macao’s return to the motherland, the implementation systems of the “one country, two systems” policy have continued to improve in the special administrative region. , and national sovereignty, security and development interests have been effectively safeguarded. ; economic and social development has seen a historic leap and people in the region enjoy a much stronger sense of gain, happiness and security; external cooperation continued to expand, and the position of the SAR as “One Center, One Platform, One Base” grew steadily.

Macao’s great achievements since its return to the motherland have proven to the world that the “one country, two systems” cause, with its distinctive institutional strengths and strong vitality, is a good system that supports long-term prosperity and stability. term. Hong Kong and Macao, he said, adding that it is a good system that facilitates efforts to make China a great country and achieve national rejuvenation, and that it is a good system to ensure peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit between different social systems.

“We must therefore remain committed to this cause. The values ​​embodied in the “one country, two systems” cause, namely peace, inclusion, openness and sharing, are relevant not only for China but also for the whole world. be cherished by all of us,” Xi said.

He pointed out that the developments in Hong Kong and Macao since their return to the motherland show us that to maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao and further advance the cause of “one country, two systems”, it is imperative to respect the following four principles. First, we must remain committed to the basic policies of one country and take full advantage of the advantages of both systems. We must put our country’s sovereignty, security and development interests above all else; we should implement the overall competence of central authorities; and we must in no way deviate from this commitment. At the same time, we must respect the differences between the two systems, fully guarantee a high degree of autonomy to the two SARs of Hong Kong and Macao, and continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the “one country, two” policy. systems”. “, under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong and the people of Macao administer Macao, both with a high degree of autonomy. We should ensure that this policy is not changed, deviated, bent or distorted.

Second, we must ensure high-level security and pursue high-quality development. Security is the basis of development, and development, in turn, guarantees security. We must remain firm both in safeguarding security and in promoting development. We must cherish the hard-won peace and stability we enjoy today, focus our energy on growing the economy and pursuing development, and continue to create new growth engines and build new strengths. Third, we must harness the unique strengths of Hong Kong and Macao and strengthen their connectivity with the mainland and the world. Hong Kong and Macau should be more open and inclusive, expand their international ties, and increase their global position and appeal. Hong Kong and Macao should fully align with national development strategies, accelerate their integration into China’s overall national development, and better play their role as bridges to usher in a new development paradigm. Fourth, we must uphold our core values ​​and promote inclusion and harmony. It is imperative to live by the core values ​​of loving the country and Hong Kong and loving the country and Macao, strengthening exchanges and integration of various cultures, and rallying the public’s full support for the country and the abroad to create the greatest synergy to advance the cause. of “one country, two systems”.

Xi expressed four hopes for the newly inaugurated Macau SAR government: first, Macao should strive to promote appropriate economic diversification; second, Macau should strive to strengthen governance as a special administrative region; third, Macao should strive to become a platform for higher-level opening-up; and fourth, Macau should strive to maintain social harmony and stability.

Young people are the hope and future of Macao, Xi said, stressing that they are also a dynamic force in the construction of Macao and China. He expressed hope that Macao young people will keep the SAR and the motherland close to their hearts, set ambitious goals, take solid measures, advance and pursue the cause of “one country, two systems”, and thus realize their potential. by fully committing to the efforts to build a great homeland and a beautiful Macau.

Xi noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. At its third plenary session, the 20th CPC Central Committee made a systematic decision to further deepen comprehensive reform to advance China’s modernization. The cause of building China into a great country is making progress in all fields, and bright prospects are emerging. The Chinese nation is making great strides towards its great rejuvenation. I am confident that with the full, faithful and resolute implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy, with the concerted efforts of the Macao SAR Government and all sectors of its society, and with the firm support of the great motherland, Macao will certainly open up new horizons and achieve new development progress, and make even greater contributions to the construction of a great country and the march toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through to Chinese modernization.

During his speech, Sam said that as Director-General of the Macau SAR for his sixth term, he well understands the immense responsibility that comes with this glorious mission. “We will take the proclamation “Act together, uphold integrity and innovate” as our administration philosophy. Through our collective efforts, we will remain committed to fundamental principles and innovation. We will fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the “one country, two systems policy,” he said. “We will spare no effort to maintain constitutional order in the SAR as stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, faithfully implement the principle of “patriots administering Macao” and continue to make new progress. for the implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy enriched with the characteristics of Macao,” he said. He stressed that with the unwavering support of the motherland and the united efforts of all people of Macau to move forward, the SAR government is confident and capable of making Macao, the “apple of the eye” of the motherland, brighter, thus playing the role of a better role and greater contribution to the promotion of national renewal on all the fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.

Senior officials including Cai Qi, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Wang Xiaohong, Wang Dongfeng and Xia Baolong attended the event.

Ho Hau-wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, John Lee, director-general of the Hong Kong SAR, Chui Sai-on and Ho Iat-seng, former directors-general of the Macao SAR , as well as representatives from various sectors of Macau and special guests also participated in the event.