A series of reports on greeting Macao's return are being published in installments. This second one, written by Our Staff Reporters Ma Li, Wu Xia and Wu Yaming, runs in part as follows:

The unification of the country is the lofty pursuit and sacred conviction of the Chinese nation, which, however, can be turned into brilliant reality only after the Chinese people have really become masters of the country.

On October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong solemnly proclaimed at the inaugural ceremony of the People's Republic of China: We will abrogate all unequal treaties imposed by imperialists on the Chinese people. In the 1950s, the then Premier of the Republic Zhou Enlai solemnly stated, "Macao is Chinese territory, the Chinese people have never forgotten Macao, nor have they forgotten that they have the right to recover this piece of their own land from Portugal", adding "the issue of Macao will be settled at an appropriate time". In the 1970s, the Chinese government sent a letter to the United Nations, firmly opposing inclusion of Hong Kong and Macao into the scope of colonies: "Resolving the issues of Hong Kong and Macao is entirely a question coming within China." This had thus ruled out the possibility for the international community to participate in the issues of Hong Kong and Macao and frustrated some forces' attempt to complicate the issue regarding sovereignty over Hong Kong and Macao.

"Realization of the country's reunification is the common wish of our nation, if this cannot be realized in one hundred years, it will be achieved in one thousand years..." In the 1980s, Deng Xiaoping, chief architect of China's reform and opening program, gave this loud shout long-cherished in the hearts of the Chinese. In the 1990s, the Chinese government once again stated, "Recovering Macao before the year 2000 is the firm and unshakable stand and strong desire of the Chinese government and the 1 billion Chinese people including Macao compatriots...."

Today, nothing can stop the steps of the ever-stronger China from marching toward reunification.

Unification, prosperity, democracy and civilization are the most resonant and proud declaration issued to the world by the Chinese people facing the 21st century.

The integration of the theory of Marxism with the characteristics of the times, particularly the integration of this theory and China's actuality, has consistently been the magic weapon used by the Chinese Communists to successfully solve the Chinese problems. Today, following the smooth return of Hong Kong, this brilliant thought has once again gained convincing proof and creative development in the process of Macao's home-coming.

With great foresight, Comrade Deng Xiaoping accurately grasped the theme of "peace and development" of today's world, he creatively put forward the great concept of "one country, two systems" and, in light of Macao's actual conditions, pointed out, "The situation of Macao is a matter of how to maintain stability and prosperity", thus setting the mind of the then Macao society at ease.

In the period of the transition from an old Macao to a new, the third generation of collective leadership of our Party with Jiang Zemin at the core, while using the great concept of "one country, two systems" in handling the affairs relating to Macao's transfer, has enriched the content of the "one country, two systems" theory with its creative practices.

The Basic Law of Macao is the materialization and legalization of the principles of "one country, two systems", "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy.

In October 1988, The MSAR Basic Law Drafting Committee held its first session in Beijing.

On January 16, 1993, Macao's Basic Law draft was completed smoothly, and the last session of the Drafting Committee came to a successful end.

In accordance with Macao's Basic Law, on April 10, 1999, the MSAR's first government election committee composed of 200 Macao's permanent residents was born smoothly, this marks a new stage in the history of Macao-the day for "Macao people governing Macao" is in sight;

In line with Macao's Basic Law, at 11:48 on May 15, 1999, Edmund Ho Hou Wah was selected candidate for the first chief executive of MSAR, this marks the beginning of an epoch in which Macao people become masters of their own affairs;

In line with the Basic Law of Macao, China's second PLA garrison unit had been organized, waiting for orders to set off to Macao;

In accordance with the Basic Law of Macao, the administrative, legislative and judicial framework of the first government of the MSAR had been formed, and the series of matters concerning the transition period and the transfer of power have been solved by and large....

There are also three major old problems-the official status of the Chinese language, the localization of law and the nationality of locally born Portuguese, as well as the three major new problems-economy, public security and power transfer. Each link relating to Macao's return and every step of forward advance all give expressions to the essence of the great concept of "one country, two systems".

The success in Macao people governing Macao and a high degree of autonomy is a component part of the country's prosperity and might and accomplishment of the great cause of reunification of the motherland, while the overall interest of the country and nation is the guarantee and prerequisite for Macao's interests-this is how chief executive Ho Hou Wah of the MSAR describes the relationship between Macao and the motherland.

In fact, during the more than 400 years of separation of flesh and blood, the motherland has always been the rear area and base of Macao.

For more than 40 years, over 200 tons of perishable products and 100,000-plus tons of freshwater have streamed from Zhuhai to Macao every day, such supplies have never been interrupted.

After the issue "resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Macao" was placed on the agenda, "maintaining Macao's social stability and economic development" has always been the Central Government's basic principle and primary premise for solving the issue of Macao. Particularly since Macao entered the transition period, the ties between Macao and the hinterland area of the motherland have become closer.

At present, the proportion of Chinese-funded enterprises in Macao's total assets of enterprises has reached 40 percent, becoming a significant force in Macao's economic development.

In order to greet Macao's return, Macao Cultural Center, Macao Conference Exhibition Center and some other projects have been completed one after another, as well as Lianhua (Lotus) Bridge, the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Railway and other large capital construction projects have also been finished in succession, which have injected fresh vigor into Macao's once sluggish economy.

The Central Government has clearly indicated its readiness to give all-out support to Macao's economic development, it will grant active support and necessary coordination to all measures conducive to Macao's social stability and economic development.

The problem that has plagued Macao's social security in recent years has also received the close concern and high attention from the Central Government. The departments concerned in hinterland areas have also given energetic support and coordination to Macao authorities' move to crack down on criminal activities according to law, with gratifying achievements.

Macao's fate is closely linked with the future of the motherland. The motherland and Macao will stand together forever.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the illumination of the "one country, two systems" principle, the Chinese people will definitely realize the great rejuvenation and complete reunification cause of the Chinese nation, the day will not be far off.