‘One country, two systems’ belongs to world, not just to China: Xi Jinping

At Macau inauguration ceremony, president says values of peace, tolerance, openness and sharing are enshrined in the governing principle and deserve to be safeguarded

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Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai oversees the SAR Executive Council members swearing in at the inauguration ceremony held at Macao East Asian Games Dome, as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the city's return to Chinese administration. 20DEC24. SCMP / Eugene Lee

Published: 10:52pm, 20 Dec 2024Updated: 11:11pm, 20 Dec 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping has given a strong reassurance to Hong Kong and Macau that the “one country, two systems” policy under which the two cities are governed is here to stay, holding it up to the international community as a successful example of “peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation of different social systems” that should be recognised by the world.

Inaugurating the swearing-in of a new Macau administration led by Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai on Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese administration, Xi hailed the unique governing formula as the key to long-term stability and prosperity while contributing to building a stronger nation.

“The glorious achievements by Macau since its return to the motherland have proven to the world that the one country, two systems has significant institutional advantages and strong vitality,” Xi said in a keynote speech aimed at a wider audience including Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and the international community.

“It is a good system in maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau. It is a good system in helping build a stronger country and national rejuvenation. It is a good system in realising the peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation of different social systems which should be insisted on for a long time.”

Xi said the values of peace, tolerance, openness and sharing were enshrined in the one country, two systems principle, which not only belonged to China but also the world and “deserved to be safeguarded together”.

President Xi Jinping greets those attending the inauguration ceremony on Friday. Photo: Eugene Lee

The president also laid out four demands for Macau’s new administration in his 30-minute speech, calling on the government to stay on track in diversifying the economy, push for reforms in public administration, expand the city’s international connections and ensure social harmony and stability.