Xi Jinping’s vision for Macao’s development under the “one country, two systems” principle continues to drive the city’s transformation into a global economic hub. In 2012, shortly after becoming General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Xi visited Guangdong Province, emphasizing the importance of integrating Macao and Hengqin, an adjacent island in Zhuhai, to bolster Macao’s economic diversification. This vision, now becoming a reality, reflects Xi’s commitment to ensuring Macao’s prosperity and stability under Chinese sovereignty.
Macao’s development has been a priority for Xi since his earlier visits to the region, including a 2009 trip as Vice President where he unveiled plans for Hengqin’s development. Xi recognized Hengqin’s potential to diversify Macao’s economy, moving beyond its reliance on the gaming sector. This foresight has paid off significantly, as Macao’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has surged from 51.9 billion patacas in 1999 to 379.5 billion patacas in 2023, and its per capita GDP has more than quadrupled to around 70,000 U.S. dollars, making it the second-richest place in the world, according to Forbes.
Since its return from Portuguese rule in 1999, Macao has been governed as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) under the “one country, two systems” policy, allowing it to maintain its capitalist system and way of life within socialist China. Over the past 25 years, this unique arrangement has proven successful, showcasing Macao’s vitality and appeal as a tourist and leisure destination. The annual number of visitors has increased dramatically from 7 million to over 32 million, underscoring its status as a global hotspot.
Xi’s strategic vision for Macao’s future is centered on integration into the national development strategy, particularly through the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The establishment of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin in 2021 exemplifies this vision. The zone has enabled Macao to diversify its economy by developing industries such as high-end manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, financial services, and cultural tourism. This strategic move helps reduce Macao’s overdependence on the gaming sector and aligns with Xi’s broader goal of fostering economic stability and growth.
Xi’s personal involvement in planning and guiding the development of Hengqin underscores the significance of this initiative. The creation of the cooperation zone has attracted 6,461 Macao enterprises and 16,539 residents, demonstrating a deep integration between Guangdong and Macao. The joint development of Hengqin is seen as a key component of the Greater Bay Area’s growth, providing Macao with new opportunities for growth, motivation, and space for expansion.
Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of Xi’s vision for Macao’s integration into the national strategy. The opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in 2018, the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, marked a significant milestone. With Xi personally announcing its inauguration, the bridge has become a vital logistics artery in the Greater Bay Area, facilitating trade and economic activities. The number of border crossings at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port and the Hengqin Port both exceeded 20 million in 2024, setting new records and demonstrating the bridge’s role in enhancing connectivity.
Xi’s approach to Macao’s development also includes a strong focus on connecting with the local population. During his visits, he engages with ordinary residents, listens to their concerns, and participates in public housing projects, elderly-care facilities, and government service centers. This direct interaction reflects Xi’s commitment to ensuring that Macao’s growth benefits its people, making it a more prosperous and inclusive city. Xi’s care for Macao’s youth is also evident in his engagement with students, fostering a sense of national pride and understanding of their role in China’s modernization.
Xi’s dedication to Macao’s development was further underscored during his overseas diplomatic activities. In December 2018, during a state visit to Portugal, Xi emphasized Macao’s role as a bridge for cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as its contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative. In April 2019, while meeting with the President of Portugal, Xi reiterated Macao’s unique role in fostering long-term friendly exchanges between China and Portugal.
The 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to Chinese sovereignty provided an opportunity for Xi to reiterate his vision for the city’s future. In his speech, Xi referred to Macao as “a pearl on the palm” of China, highlighting its significance in the national development strategy. His remarks emphasized the need for Macao to fully leverage its unique “one country, two systems” arrangement, striving for innovation and integration into Chinese modernization.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping’s vision for Macao under the “one country, two systems” principle has resulted in remarkable economic growth, infrastructure development, and social inclusion. By encouraging Macao to integrate more deeply into China’s national development strategy, Xi has positioned the city as a key player in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and a model for other SARs. As Macao continues to thrive, its journey under Xi’s guidance remains a testament to the success of “one country, two systems” and its potential to lead the city to greater heights.
