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Jiang's Address at Celebration Ceremony of 1st Anniversary of Establishment of Macao SAR
Jiang's Address at Celebration Ceremony of 1st Anniversary of Establishment of Macao SAR
President Jiang Zemin, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an address at a ceremony in Macao Wednesday, December 20, to celebrate the first anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region.
The following is the full text of Jiang's address:
Address at the Celebration Ceremony of the First Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
Dear Compatriots and Friends,
At the threshold of the new century, we are now marking the auspicious occasion of the first anniversary of the return of Macao to China. First of all, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Central People's Government and the people of all ethnic groups, warm congratulations and best wishes to the Macao SAR Government and all its residents.
Having experienced many vicissitudes, Macao has returned to China's embrace as a result of the protracted and unyielding struggle of the Chinese people. It is a victory of Mr. Deng Xiaoping's great theory of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems." The Macao SAR Government headed by Mr. Ho Hau Wah has been enterprising in the past year and led the residents in Macao out of difficulties. As a result, an encouraging new situation has emerged in Macao. Facts have forcefully proved that the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Macao people administering Macao with a high degree of autonomy" are absolutely correct and the people in Macao are highly capable of managing Macao affairs well.
In order to maintain the long-term prosperity, stability and development and create a better future for Macao, I would like to put forward the following expectations:
Firstly, "one country, two systems" should continue to be adhered to as a basic principle in handling Macao affairs. "One country, two systems" is an indivisible concept. The term "one country" means two things: First, it means Macao is part of the motherland and the Macao SAR is directly under the jurisdiction of the Central People's Government and enjoys a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law. Second, the mainland of China always serves as a strong backing for the Macao SAR. Macao cannot do without the forceful support of the mainland, which has been true in the past and will continue to be so in the future. The reform, opening-up and modernization drive of the mainland will bring more and more opportunities to Macao. The economic recovery and growth in Macao since its return is the result of the concerted efforts of people of all circles in Macao under the leadership of the SAR Government and the support of the mainland. In the future, the mainland will continue to furnish unfailing support to Macao for its development on all fronts. By "two systems," we mean that the main part of the country sticks to the socialist system while Macao retains the capitalist system and its way of life. The Central Government will not intervene in the affairs that fall within the autonomy of the Macao SAR. This is a principle that should be adhered to forever. The Macao SAR on its part should take concrete measures to defend the national interests and the authority of the Central Government and should never allow anyone to stage any activities in Macao against the Central Government or to split the country. This principle should also be observed. Since its return, Macao has done a lot in implementing the principle of "one country, two systems" in an all-round manner. With more experience gained in this regard, Macao will surely do a better job in the future.
Secondly, efforts should be made to ensure that Macao is administered in accordance with law. The Basic Law of the Macao SAR was formulated by the highest organ of state power, in line with China's Constitution with extensive participation of the compatriots in Macao. This law fully reflects the common will and fundamental interests of the entire Chinese people, our compatriots in Macao included. It is a national law for the implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems" in all areas. All departments under the Central Government, all localities and people of all ethnic groups in China should uphold and observe the Basic Law. The Basic Law has prescribed the basic political, economic and social systems that should be adopted by the SAR, the relationship between the Central Government and the SAR, and the rights and freedoms of the residents in the SAR. It is above all other laws in the SAR. People from all walks of life in Macao should conscientiously follow the Basic Law as their code of conduct. Strict observance of the Basic Law is an important guarantee for the maintenance of long-term prosperity, stability and development in Macao.
Thirdly, it is important to maintain the Chief Executive's authority and support his work. The Chief Executive of the Macao SAR was elected according to the Basic Law and appointed by the Central Government. This is an indication of the exercise by our compatriots in Macao of their democratic rights. It is unprecedented in the history of Macao. Under the Basic Law, the Chief Executive should be accountable not only to the Macao SAR but also to the Central Government. He is the head of both the SAR and SAR Government. The Basic Law gives the Chief Executive a high position and a great mandate. The Central Government is satisfied with the way in which Mr. Ho Hau Wah has governed the territory. I hope that people from all walks of life in Macao will conscientiously maintain the authority of their Chief Executive and support and assist his administration. I also believe that Mr. Ho Hau Wah will never fail the trust and expectations of the Central Government and the general public in Macao.
Fourthly, it is essential to create a favorable social environment for the long-term prosperity, stability and development in Macao. The ill public order in Macao before its return not only aroused concern among the local residents but also affected its neighboring areas. Since the return, the Macao SAR Government, with the support for the Central Government, has dealt a heavy blow on various evil forces, which has resulted in visibly improved law and order and better economic performance in Macao. The relatively more stable social environment in Macao today requires everyone to cherish and maintain. Everybody in China, in Macao or the mainland, should refuse to do anything destructive to the prosperity, stability and development in Macao. Both history and reality of human development have proved that economic prosperity and social progress cannot be achieved without a stable environment. This is true to the mainland and true to Macao, too. In a modern society, the mass media have great influence on people, which requires that the media not only value the freedom of the press but also pay attention to their social responsibilities and play a more positive role in matters concerning Macao's prosperity and the interests of the state and the people.
Like Hong Kong, Macao is also faced with the problems left over from the prolonged colonial rule and the serious impact of the Asian financial crisis since its return. In view of this, it is not at all easy for Macao to make such achievements as we see today. Although Hong Kong is not the same in all aspects as Macao, I believe what I have touched upon is also relevant to Hong Kong. I am convinced that with full support from the Central Government and the people across the country, compatriots from across the spectrum in Hong Kong and Macao, with their concerted efforts, will be able to overcome difficulties on their way ahead and make greater achievements in the great cause of "one country, two systems."
Upon Macao's return last year, I wrote the words "ushering in a new era for Macao" as my best wishes to Macao at the dawn of a new century. Within a short span of one year, you have already achieved a lot and made a good beginning. A thousand-mile-long journey begins with the first step, though that first step is always difficult. I sincerely wish you continued progress and wish Macao fresh success in the new century.
Thank you.
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