Beijing praises ‘harmonious and stable’ Macau at appointment of new leader Ho Iat-seng, sparking comparisons with restive Hong Kong
- President says conditions in the casino hub prove ‘one country, two systems’ can work
- Observers note contrast with nearby city, where anti-government unrest has challenged Beijing’s authority
President Xi Jinping has praised Macau’s prosperity, stability and harmony as the central government on Wednesday appointed Ho Iat-seng as the casino hub’s next leader, saying it proved the principle of “one country, two systems” could work.
Xi also expressed hopes that Ho, elected unopposed and to be sworn in on December 20, would “stand high and look far” to grasp where the city fits into the national development strategy.
Observers said the comments from Xi, as well as words from Premier Li Keqiang, reflected Beijing’s expectations not just of Macau but also of Hong Kong, which has been rocked by three months of anti-government protests which have challenged the central government’s authority.
Meeting Ho in Beijing, Xi said one country, two systems – under which both former European colonies are ruled from the capital but guaranteed a measure of political freedom – had been fully implemented since the city’s handover from Portugal to China in 1999.
“The Macau government has united various sectors in fully and accurately understanding and implementing the principle of one country two systems, resolutely safeguarding the authority of the constitution and the Basic Law,” Xi said. “The economy has been rapidly growing, with people’s livelihood being continuously improved and society being harmonious and stable.”