Xi to attend gathering celebrating 15th anniversary of Macao's return

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to attend a gathering in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Dec. 19-20 for the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, authorities said on Sunday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be present at the inauguration ceremony of the SAR's fourth-term government.

On Dec. 20, 1999, the Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao.

"Xi's coming for the anniversary fully displays the SAR's important role in the country," said Ho Teng Iat, president of the Women's General Association of Macao. "People from all walks of life are excited as the central government cares so much about Macao. We will surely promote the 'one country, two systems' practice."

Ma Iao Lai, president of Macao Chamber of Commerce, said the SAR's development is attributed to the support from the central government which has been providing lots of favorable policies.

"We are inspired to witness Macao's progress these years and really happy for President Xi's coming," he said.

Experts believe Xi's tour is expected to enhance cooperation between Macao and the mainland and guarantee that the great cause of "one country, two systems" can be passed on by generations to come.

Qiang Shigong, executive director of the Hong Kong and Macao studies center under Peking University, said improvement is needed in the practice of the "one country, two systems" principle although great achievements have been made these years.

Priority questions Macao faces are how to adjust its economic structure and achieve diversified development as well as how to strengthen its cooperation with the mainland so that the two sides complement and benefit each other.

The SAR also needs to participate in China's strategy of building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Qiang said.

He believes Xi would give directions about the new SAR government's administration during his tour to the region.

At the inauguration ceremony, Xi will administer as Chui Sai On is sworn in as the Macao SAR chief executive.

Chui, 57, was elected the fourth-term chief executive-designate of the Macao SAR on Aug. 31.

It will be the second time of Xi to visit Macao in the recent five years.

He made an inspection tour to the SAR in January 2009 as vice president, meeting local residents and inspiring them to tide over the global financial crisis.