President Xi leaves Macao after successful visit

MACAO, Dec. 20 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his visit to Macao Saturday afternoon after attending celebrations for the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to China and inaugurating its fourth-term government, among other activities on his tight itinerary.

The president hailed the successful implementation in Macao of the principle of "one country, two systems," a basic state policy vital to ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao, as well as the progress Macao has made since its return 15 years ago.

Addressing the anniversary ceremony, Xi also administered the swearing-in of Chui Sai On as the fourth-term chief executive and the new government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

The president called on the Macao people to keep making contribution to the reform, opening-up and modernization drive of China while sharing the opportunities and benefits brought by China's development.

"I am convinced that a more prosperous and stronger motherland will open up even brighter prospects of the development of Hong Kong and Macao," he said.

Chui, 57, vowed in his inaugural address that he would fully and correctly implement the "one country, two systems" policy and spare no effort for an appropriate diversification of Macao's economy.

Xi, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Macao Garrison on Saturday, the second day of his Macao trip.

He urged the soldiers to unswervingly uphold the principle of "one country, two systems," safeguard Macao's prosperity and stability, and make selfless devotions for the benefit of the Macao people.

On the Hengqin Island campus of the University of Macao in the afternoon, Xi joined the students from Macao, the mainland and Taiwan in their discussion, encouraging the youth to absorb quintessence from traditional Chinese culture and constantly refine personal cultivation and knowledge to better contribute to society.

He also asked the students to carry forward the spirit of patriotism and loving Macao, and build up the initiative of promoting the practice of "one country, two systems."

During his stay in Macao Friday, the president also visited two low-income families in the region's largest public housing estate, in a bid to learn more about the local residents' daily life.

Li Gang, director of the Liaison Office of the Chinese central government in Macao, spoke highly of Xi's two-day visit, saying it gives a clear guidance for the region's future development.

President Xi's remarks on the "one country, two systems" principle and expectations for the local community to support the SAR government's law-based governance are of great significance to maintaining long-term prosperity and stability of the region, Li said.