BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Overseas Chinese communities have spoken highly of the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy in Macao two decades after its return to China.

They made the comments when talking about Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at a gathering in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland on Friday.

Steven Wong, chairman of the Peaceful Reunification of China Association of New Zealand, said that over the last 20 years since Macao's return, the "one country, two systems," "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy have been fully implemented.

Over the last two decades since Macao's return, the rapid development of the Chinese mainland has provided important support for Macao, Wong said, adding that the joint construction of the Belt and Road and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has provided a broader platform for Macao's development.

The great achievements in the 20 years after Macao rejoined the motherland have proven that "one country, two systems" is both feasible and heart-winning, said Liang Guanjun, president of the United Chinese Association of Eastern U.S. Inc.

Liang said he expects that Macao would stand as a continuance in the success story of the "one country, two systems" policy.

People in Macao have always cherished their love for China and Macao, and their sense of identity as Chinese nationals and their confidence in "one country, two systems" have been the underlining factors in the great development and the constant improvement in the living standard in Macao, said Dr. Minshen Zhu, principal of the Australian National Institute of Management and Commerce.