Xi Jinping Arrives in Macao for 25th Handover Anniversary: "One Country, Two Systems Success"

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macau on the 18th to attend the 25th anniversary ceremony of Macau's return to China.

According to China Central Television (CCTV), President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived at Macau International Airport in the afternoon on a private plane, beginning a 3-day, 2-night schedule.

AP Yonhap News

Standing at the airport podium, President Xi said, "Over the past 25 years, the 'one country, two systems' policy that preserves Macau's characteristics has achieved globally recognized success," adding, "If we fully utilize the advantages of 'one country, two systems' and are not afraid of challenges and innovation, Macau's future will be even more beautiful."

At the airport, Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng and his wife welcomed President Xi and his wife, while children waved flowers, the Chinese national flag (Five-star Red Flag), and the Macau flag in greeting. The airport welcome ceremony was also attended by Ho Hau Wah, the next Chief Executive.

President Xi will attend the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Macau's return, which will be held together with the inauguration ceremony of Ho Hau Wah as the 6th Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region on the 20th. Ho Hau Wah, who previously served as president of the Macau Court of Final Appeal, is the first Chief Executive elected who is not originally from Macau but from mainland China.

President Xi is expected to stay in Macau for 3 days and 2 nights and inspect the Hengqin Guangdong-Macau Deep Cooperation Zone. President Xi previously attended the 20th anniversary event of Macau's return in 2019.

Macau, which was a Portuguese colony, was returned to China on December 20, 1999, under the 'one country, two systems' policy that guarantees an autonomous political and judicial system for 50 years. Macau is the only city in China where casinos are permitted and has surpassed Las Vegas in the United States to become the world's top casino hub.