Full text of Xi's remarks at gathering for Macao SAR's 15th anniversary

MACAO -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday delivered a speech at a gathering marking the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to China and the inauguration of the fourth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

The following is the full text of his speech:

Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Gathering Marking the 15th Anniversary

Of Macao's Return to the Motherland and the

Inauguration of the Fourth-term Government of the

Macao Special Administrative Region

20 December 2014

Fellow Compatriots, Dear Friends,

Good morning. Today, we gather here in a joyous mood for this grand occasion to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and to inaugurate the fourth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

First of all, on behalf of the Central Government and people of all ethnic groups across the country, I wish to extend cordial greetings to all the residents in Macao and warm congratulations to Mr. Chui Sai On, the fourth Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, his team and members of the Executive Council who have just been sworn in. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to all the fellow Chinese both at home and abroad as well as foreign friends who have cared about Macao and contributed to its prosperity and stability.

This occasion reminds us of what happened 15 years ago today. On that day, the Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao,and the Macao SAR of the People's Republic of China was established. Macao returned to the embrace of the motherland and embarked on a promising path of mutual complementarity and common development with the mainland. That was an event of great historic significance in the development of the Chinese nation and marked a new chapter in Macao's development.

Over the past 15 years, with the strong support of the Central Government and the mainland and under the leadership of the Chief Executive and government of the SAR, people from various sectors in Macao have united as one, made vigorous efforts to implement the principle of "one country, two systems" and achieved fruitful results.

-- We are glad to see that the principles of "one country, two systems", "Macao people administering Macao", and a high degree of autonomy as well as the Basic Law of the Macao SAR have won massive support from the people in Macao and have been implemented in real earnest. The constitutional order of the Macao SAR as prescribed by the Constitution and the Basic Law is respected and upheld. The Central Government's overall governing power is effectively exercised while the high degree autonomy enjoyed by the SAR is fully guaranteed. Our compatriots in Macao are masters of their own house entitled to broad freedoms and democratic rights in accordance with law. Macao enjoys orderly progress in democracy, fast economic growth, rising living standards, and social harmony and stability. All-round progress has been made in its various undertakings, and its exchanges with the outside have continued to expand.

-- We are glad to see that Macao is having increasingly closer exchanges and cooperation with the mainland and continuing to make its unique contribution to the reform, opening-up and modernization drive of the motherland while sharing the opportunities and benefits brought by development of the motherland. Macao compatriots have gained a growing sense of identity and belonging with the motherland. The close national bond of "blood being thicker than water" is becoming ever stronger. Love for the motherland and love for Macao has become a prevalent value in Macao society.

-- We are glad to see that as a historical city where Chinese and Western cultures meet, Macao displays a unique charm that belongs to a culture typical of Southern China, yet with a distinctive European touch. Here, communities from various ethnic backgrounds live in harmony and help and learn from each other. Together, they present to the world a dynamic Macao beaming with vitality.

Since its return to the motherland 15 years ago, Macao has scored remarkable achievements that make not only Macao compatriots but also people all ethnic groups in China proud. The valuable experience gained by Macao along the way should be cherished and remembered by Macao compatriots and people of all ethnic groups in the entire nation.

Facts have shown that as long as we understand and implement the principle of "one country, two systems" fully and correctly, strictly abide by the Basic Law, focus on economic growth and people's wellbeing, uphold inclusiveness and mutual assistance, and promote broad unity under the banner "love the country, love Macao", the implementation of "one country, two systems" will make steady and continuous progress along the right track and Macao will have a better future.