Macao's return historic event for nation: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Saturday morning that Macao's return to the motherland was an event of great historic significance in the development of the Chinese nation and marked a new chapter in Macao's development.[Special coverage]

"We are glad to see that the principles of 'one country, two systems', 'Macao people administering Macao', and a high degree of autonomy as well the Basic Law of the Macao SAR have won massive support from the people in Macao and have been implemented in real earnest," Xi said at a celebration gathering marking the 15th anniversary of Macao's return.

President Xi said that Macao has enjoyed orderly progress in democracy, fast economic growth, rising living standards, and social harmony and stability since its return to the motherland 15 years ago.

"The constitutional order of the Macao SAR, as prescribed by the constitution and the Basic Law, is respected and upheld," said the president at a celebration gathering marking the 15th anniversary of Macao's return.

He said that the central government's overall governing power is effectively exercised while the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) is fully guaranteed.

Noting rapid economic and social progress, Xi said, "Certain deep-seated problems formed over the years have surfaced, and development risks have built up to some extent."

"It is important for Macao to adopt a global, nationwide, future-oriented and long-term perspective, formulate appropriate plans and blueprints for its development and promote sound economic and social development," he said in a speech delivered at the Macao East Asian Games Dome.

The president stressed the necessity to make long-term planing, seize the opportunity of the national efforts to comprehensively deepen reform, and promote appropriately diversified and sustainable economic development in Macao based on its positioning as a global tourism and leisure hub and a service platform for economic and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.