Speech by H.E. Ambassador Liu Xiaoming at the Banquet in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Macao's Return to China: Pool Our Strengths and Work together to Write a New Chapter of the Success of "One Country, Two Systems"

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends:

The past 20 years have seen times change and witnessed strenuous efforts made. However, no matter how things change in the world, the future of Macao and the mainland is always closely connected. Macao will always have the support of the motherland and will always be ready to embrace the world.

As socialism with Chinese characteristics enters a new era, the great cause of "One Country, Two Systems" also enters a new era. To write a new chapter of the success of "One Country, Two Systems" in Macao in this new era, we must pool our strengths in the following three aspects:

First, we must join hands and remain committed to "One Country, Two Systems".

"One Country, Two Systems" is a basic national policy of China. This system is also the greatest strength of Macao. The development of Macao in the past 20 years fully proves that this system is effective and has the support of the people.

Macao must remain committed to the principle of "One Country" and respect the differences of "Two Systems".

It must uphold the authority of the Central Government and at the same time safeguard its high degree of autonomy.

It can continue to count on the support from the mainland and strive to increase its own competitiveness.

Macao has unique strengths. By staying committed to "One Country" and taking advantage of "Two Systems", Macao will become a best example of China's further opening up and high-quality development.

Second, we should work together to support Macao in integrating into the overall development of the nation.

The system of "One Country, Two Systems" enables such integration, which provides the driving force for Macao to explore new room for development. As China opens its market wider to the world, Macao's status and role will only be strengthened, instead of weakened.

At the moment, lottery and tourism are the economic pillars of Macao. This industrial structure needs diversification. Going forward, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will offer golden opportunities for Macao to build a diverse economy. Macao should seize these opportunities to benefit from the overall development of the nation and become an important stronghold for China's two-way opening up.

Third, we must stand together against interference by external forces.

The success of Macao is the success of the principle of non-interference. In the interest of enduring prosperity and stability in Macao, China and Portugal should remain committed to this principle.

This is the only way to make sure that Macao will continue to serve as a bridge and promote the trade, people-to-people and cultural connectivity between China and Portugal, and between China and the West.

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China, we cannot help but feel deep regret at what is happening in Hong Kong.

There are always certain forces in the world who hate to see China developing smoothly or "One Country, Two Systems" succeed in Hong Kong. In the past six months since the "amendment incident", some Western officials and legislators have interfered blatantly in Hong Kong affairs, which are internal affairs of China. Their actions are in total disregard of international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

They even adopted the so-called "Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act" to show support for anti-China forces and violent offenders whose only intention is to destabilise Hong Kong, and who have done nothing but trampling on rule of law, disrupting public order, undermining the prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, challenging the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", and pushing Hong Kong into an extremely dangerous situation.

Last month, President Xi Jinping stated China's position on Hong Kong. He emphasized that the Chinese Government remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard China's national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement "One Country, Two Systems", and oppose any interference by external forces in Hong Kong affairs.

This important statement is the most authoritative voice from the Central Government of China on the current situation and the future of Hong Kong.

Macao is a beacon for safeguarding the principle of non-interference. We hope it will light up the path forward for Hong Kong. We hope it will enable people from all walks of life to see clearly the danger of external interference so that they will join hands to oppose and resist such interference, and help Hong Kong end violence, restore order and return to the track of prosperity and stability at an early date.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends:

An ancient Chinese masterpiece Huainanzi had these words, "Different rivers originating from different sources all run to the same ocean; different schools of thought offering different solutions all aim at achieving peace and order."

I am confident that with the firm support of the Central Government of China, under the strong leadership of the Chief Executive and Macao SAR Government, and with the concerted efforts of Macao people and international support, Macao will embrace an even brighter future!

I have confidence in both Macao and Hong Kong, one being the "garden on the sea" and the other the "oriental pearl". I sincerely hope the twin cities will once again take off side by side and write a new chapter of the success of "One Country, Two Systems"!

Now, may I propose a toast

To the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China,

To the success of the great innovation of "One Country, Two Systems",

To the sustained, sound and steady development of China-Portugal and China-UK relationships, and

To the health of the guests and friends present tonight.

Cheers!