On December 20, the hand-over ceremony of Macao's political power is the focus of world attention. At this moment, as a Chinese, a national self-pride surges, a sense of historical mission boils, and a sense of social responsibility rises within me.

The Chinese nation makes unremitting efforts to improve itself, with great virtue carrying happiness and the tradition of ringing out the old year and ringing in the new. On Spring Festival, "every household goes sight-seeing or tours places all day, invariably replaces old symbols with new peaches". However, the "new" brought about by Macao's return demonstrates an extraordinary significance.

For Macao, this is an earth-shaking event, it opens a new era in Macao's history and heralds a new age featuring "one country, two systems", "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy. Macao compatriots will from now on become the real masters of this piece of land and will really grasp their destiny in their own hands. The future of Macao will become as what President Jiang Zemin has pointed out, "all residents, regardless of their race and color of skin, will have the opportunity to participate in equal competition and enjoy various rights and freedoms protected by law". Also, as what Mr. Edmund Ho Hou Wah has said, Macao "will certainly be built into a society of prosperity, stability and progress".

For the great cause of the reunification of the motherland, Macao's return has erected a new historical monument. From the facts of the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macao, all patriotic compatriots at home and overseas and far-sighted personages in the world feel that the "one country, two systems" concept is correct and scientific and clearly understand that this concept is the best method for solving the issue of Taiwan. The historical tide is irresistible and the will of the nation admits of no violation. The successful practice of the "one country, two systems" concept first in Hong Kong and then in Macao will effectively boost an early solution of the issue of Taiwan.

For the friendship between the Chinese and Portuguese peoples and the friendly cooperation between the two countries, Macao's return is a new starting-point of history. "The end of a section of history implies the beginning of a section of history." These remarks of Portuguese President Jorge Sampiao can be said as the words of a wise man. The Chinese people love peace, and have the largeness of mind. On the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the relationship between China and Portugal will certainly develop in a healthy way. This great auspicious event is worth congratulation for Macao, for China and for the world.

The future of China is infinitely bright. Macao's homecoming, which marks a new era, a new monument and a new starting-point, has unfolded before us. Going on the road along the new beginning, creating new achievements and scoring new successes become a new journey and call for new efforts.

Going forward in the face of the dawn of a new era, seizing opportunities, facing challenges, advancing with the time, engaging in exploration and innovation and continuing to write a new chapter about the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation should become our common goal and self-conscious action.