Xi Visits Macao To Mark 25 Years Since Return to Chinese Rule

TaiwanPlus News

Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Macao to celebrate 25 years since the territory returned to Beijing's rule. Xi praised the territory's successes under the "One Country, Two Systems" policy. But pro-democracy advocates are questioning its effectiveness.

Transcript

00:00Chinese President Xi Jinping touches down in Macau for a three-day trip marking 25 years

00:07of Beijing's rule over the former Portuguese colony.

00:11Xi praising Macau's success under the one country, two systems framework that promised

00:16autonomy and wider civil liberties than mainland China.

00:46On his third visit as president, the leader is set to discuss the island's development

01:00plans.

01:01Macau, the world's largest gambling hub, is heavily reliant on the casino industry,

01:06contributing to 80% of regional tax revenue.

01:09She wants to reduce that risky reliance, urging further diversification from gambling and

01:14a shift towards tourism and leisure.

01:17He is also meeting with Macau's leaders.

01:20In talks with the territory's outgoing chief executive, Xi expressed full recognition of

01:24Hoi Aksin's leadership in implementing the one country, two systems policy, according

01:29to state media.

01:31He will also attend the inauguration of the territory's new chief executive, former top

01:35judge Sam Ho Fai.

01:38While sharing their hopes for the incoming government, residents are welcoming Xi's visit.

01:42We are very happy, and so is President Xi, especially for our love for Macau.

01:52Every Macau resident feels comforted and happy.

01:59Macau is a small place, but the economy is doing well, and the people are doing well.

02:09But despite Xi's efforts to show a united and strong front in Macau, there are issues

02:13lurking beneath the surface.

02:16Some of the territory's 700,000 strong population say there are areas in need of improvement,

02:21including living conditions and public transport.

02:25While others claim one country, two systems has not provided the democracy it vowed.

02:31Pro-democracy activists say there is a strong sense of suppression, and civil society has

02:35fallen silent.

02:37I admit that we have not done anything to fight for democracy.

02:40But I think the seeds that have been sown in the past have the potential to sprout.

02:48But hopes to forge a new path towards democracy are looking unlikely, with incoming leader

02:54Ho Fai behind a 2019 ruling that heavily restricted freedom of assembly.

03:00And as Xi looks towards Macau's development, those underlying issues are still waiting

03:05to be resolved.

03:07Ryan Wu and Rosie Grenninger for Taiwan Plus.

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