In Macao, we strongly feel the deep patriotic enthusiasm of the Macao compatriots. Their frequent remark is "All Macao has achieved today is due to the powerful backing of the motherland." This is the aspiration of pride of the Macao compatriots.

The course of Macao's change from separation to return to the embrace of the motherland fully shows that only with mighty national strength can we have complete sovereignty, and only with national unity can we have the dignity of the State. Today's Macao is fully assured and society is harmonious. Although economic and social development is faced with some difficulties and problems, the Macao compatriots are full of confidence in the development prospect after Macao's return to the motherland.

"The motherland is a strong backing" because the Macao compatriots and the 1.2 billion people have the same root and same ancestors, share weal and woe and are closely related to each other. Macao has one thousand and one links with the hinterland of the motherland, in Macao people can feel the warmth of the motherland at all times. Every morning truck after truck carrying with carefully selected live chickens, fish, cattle and sheep, fruits and vegetables from the hinterland of the motherland arrive in Macao. Macao has an acute shortage of water resources. In order to thoroughly solve this problem, the Central government has allocated special funds in building four large reservoirs in Zhuhai for Macao to guarantee the supply of clear, sweet water every day for Macao compatriots. This is a matter evident to everybody. Similarly, Macao compatriots regard inland compatriots' difficulties as their own difficulties, they have repeatedly given generous assistance to the hinterland to conquer natural disasters, this, too, is a matter clear to everybody.

"The motherland is a strong backing" because the motherland has a firm and mature leading collective that extends all-out support to the stability and development of Macao. On May 24, 1999 when newly elected Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hou Wah accepted the central government's appointment in Beijing, Jiang Zemin and other leading comrades of the central government made this solemn promise to Macao, as well as to the whole world: "The central government will give support to Macao whatever it needs after its return, just as the central government gave Hong Kong powerful support in overcoming the adverse effect brought about by the Asian economic crisis," the fact that this time, President Jiang Zemin led a delegation to attend the grand ceremony for Macao's return demonstrates the central government's cordial solicitude and enormous support for Macao. Macao's development and prosperity is closely related to the hinterland. Like Hong Kong's return, Macao's home-coming is an important indication of the prosperity of the motherland, it also represents the great victory of Comrade Deng Xiaoping's concept of "one country, two systems".

With the powerful motherland as the strong backing, this lotus of Macao will become more dazzlingly magnificent, and this ancient "lotus treasure land" will become a more beautiful and richly endowed land. (by Jinhai)