Given the lingering doubts over the 'one country, two systems' formula, mainland leaders choose their words carefully when speaking about developments in Hong Kong and Macau.
Subtle messages are preferred over straight talking, to avoid upsetting the delicate relationship between Beijing and the governments of the two special administrative regions.
So remarks by Macau Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau-wah on Tuesday about a directive by President Hu Jintao on the city's casino industry raised interesting questions about relations between Beijing and Macau and, importantly, the central government's strategy towards the city and Hong Kong.
Speaking at question time in Macau's legislature, Mr Ho announced a series of measures to check the runaway growth of the casino industry.
With signs that, left unchecked, the growth of the industry could have negative consequences, it was perhaps a question of when, not if, the government would move to rein in the sector. But Mr Ho's revelation that Beijing's views had influenced the decision is intriguing, if not scandalous.
The chief executive said: 'The central authorities hope the Macau economy will do well, [and] have an appropriate degree of diversification. [They] hope we will be able to solve new problems so that the society can enjoy long-term stability. We therefore must regularly review our development.'