Macau Celebrates 25 Years Since Return to Motherland

Macau marks the 25th anniversary of its return to China with vibrant festivities, including decorations and flags adorning landmarks like the Ruins of St. Paul’s.

Since the 1999 handover, Macau has witnessed remarkable economic and social growth, transforming into an international metropolis. Its GDP has soared from 51.9 billion MOP in 1999 to 379.5 billion MOP in 2023, making Macau a global leader in per capita GDP. Experts attribute this success to the “One Country, Two Systems” policy and the unwavering support of the central government and mainland compatriots.

“Over the past 25 years, Macau has achieved its fastest period of development, with advancements in economic growth, land area, and people’s livelihoods,” said Alan Ho of the Macau Tourism Development Committee. Residents have embraced their shared destiny with the motherland, fostering a strong sense of gratitude and patriotism passed on to younger generations.

Professors and commentators praise Macau’s stability, cultural richness, and contributions to national initiatives like the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They emphasize that the peaceful negotiations and implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy stand as a model of wisdom, transforming Macau into a “flourishing lotus” on the South China Sea and contributing to the broader rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Source: Asia Pacific Daily