Xi Jinping visits Macau to celebrate 25th anniversary of reunification

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Macau on December 18, 2024, for a three-day visit to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the former Portuguese colony’s reunification with China.

During the visit, Xi will also inaugurate Sam Hou Fai as Macau’s new chief executive, a mainland-born former top judge who aims to shift the city’s focus from gambling to economic diversification.

Upon landing in Macau, Xi praised the city, calling it “a pearl on the palm” of the motherland and hailing its success under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. “Macau is a model of harmony, stability, and development. It has shown the world how autonomy under this framework can be successfully implemented,” Xi said.

Macau, handed over by Portugal to China on December 20, 1999, has thrived as the world’s top gambling hub, surpassing Las Vegas. Beijing’s policies have allowed millions of mainland Chinese tourists to visit annually, fueling the city’s rapid economic growth. Currently, it is ranked the second richest jurisdiction globally by GDP per capita, trailing only Luxembourg.

On December 20, Xi will officiate the swearing-in of Sam Hou Fai as Macau’s fourth chief executive since its return to China. Sam, the sole candidate in the 2024 leadership race, criticized the gaming sector for developing in “an uncontrollable manner” and promised to address the imbalance. “We must diversify Macau’s economy by fostering non-gaming industries and strengthening its role as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries,” Sam declared during his campaign.

Ahead of Xi’s visit, Macau authorities implemented stringent security measures. Security checkpoints were set up at major entry points, heavy vehicles were banned, and transportation services like light rail and ferries were suspended. Political activists, including those residing abroad, were warned not to comment on social media. Activist Jason Chao, who now lives in the UK, shared that he received text messages from a Chinese security officer urging him to avoid disruptive behavior. “They wanted to ensure the ‘harmonious atmosphere’ of the occasion. It’s clear the government is deeply sensitive to any criticism,” Chao said.

Independent media also faced pressure. Online news outlet *All About Macau* reported they were forced to unpublish an article detailing the heightened security. The deleted article quoted netizens mocking the measures, saying, “Even grasses and trees were treated like an army.”

Despite the restrictions, Xi’s visit highlights Macau’s continued integration into China’s vision for the Greater Bay Area. “Macau is not just a casino city—it is a vital part of our national development strategy,” Xi emphasized, signaling a broader role for the city beyond its gambling dominance.