Agency : December 20 marks the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland. The streets of Macau are filled with a festive atmosphere, with posters, banners, lights and flowers for the 25th anniversary of the handover to the motherland hanging everywhere at the Ruins of St. Paul's and other famous spots. The national flag and the SAR flag can be seen everywhere.

Over the past 25 years, Macau has achieved remarkable economic and social development, and has become an important part of the overall development of the country. It has actively participated in major national initiatives such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, contributing to the modernization of the country.

At the same time, all Macau residents are well aware that these achievements would not have been possible without the strong support of the central government and 1.4 billion compatriots in mainland China. Every Macau resident is grateful to the motherland, naturally linking their own destiny with that of the motherland, and passing on the tradition of patriotism to the next generation.

Alan Ho, a member of the Macau Tourism Development Committee, said that the past 25 years have been the fastest period of development in Macau's history, whether in terms of land area, economic development or people's livelihood. According to the financial magazine Forbes, Macau's per capita GDP ranks first in Asia and second in the world.

Ma Liming, an associate professor at Jinan University’s School of Journalism and Communication, commented, “Since returning to China, Macau has maintained rapid economic growth and social stability, with a high level of happiness in the lives of its people, and has maintained its strengths in culture, entertainment, sports and other areas.”

Cheng Xizhong, senior researcher of the Chahar Society and special commentator of the Asia-Pacific Daily, said that throughout the history, the return of territories and the reunification of the country are usually accompanied by military confrontation, However, the wise Chinese people implemented the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, negotiated extensively with the United Kingdom and Portugal, signed agreements, and successfully brought Hong Kong and Macau back to the motherland. This not only ended a century of national humiliation but also opened a new chapter of prosperity for Hong Kong and Macau.

Prof. Cheng likened Macau to a beautiful lotus flower blooming on the South China Sea. Over the past 25 years, this flower has flourished, transforming from a southern coastal city into an international metropolis. Its GDP has grown from 51.9 billion MOP in 1999 to 379.5 billion MOP in 2023, brilliantly showcasing the vitality and advantages of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.

He added that history and reality have proved that we Chinese are fully capable and wise to solve our own problems and make important contributions to regional and world peace and stability, development and prosperity. We are confident in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the complete reunification of the great motherland.

-Source : Asia Pacific Daily