DUE TO THE peculiar intricacies of American politics, the global fight against malaria and the United States' relations with post-handover Macau have been lumped together in one piece of legislation.
Title II of the International Malaria Control Act of 2000, recently passed by US Congress, outlines Washington's policy towards Macau.
A US official familiar with the legislation says it is not uncommon for separate legislation to be attached to any bill that appears to have a good chance of passage. 'In this case, the anti-malaria legislation was the vehicle chosen by supporters of the administration's efforts to get a Macau Policy Act [MPA] passed in this session,' the official said on condition of anonymity.
The US Consul-General for Hong Kong and Macau, Michael Klosson, maintains the act recognises Macau's 'special status and the importance of preserving its unique culture and way of life'.
Beijing has rejected the MPA, which was signed by US President Bill Clinton on December 27. A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry claims the act contains 'irresponsible remarks' and 'attempts to make use of export controls, human rights and other issues to interfere in Macau's internal affairs and to violate China's sovereignty'.
However, an editorial in Beijing's semi-official mouthpiece in Macau, the Ou Mun Daily, initially welcomed the MPA, describing it as 'definitely helpful' to the development of relations between the US and Macau in the area of trade. It was not long before the editors realised the enormity of their faux pas and began toeing the party line.
There are a number of differences between the MPA and Washington's Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992. Unlike the Hong Kong act, the MPA contains a specific article on American export controls that treat the Macau SAR 'in the same manner and to the same extent' as mainland China.