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United Nations Secretary-General Hails Macao's Handover to China

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed his warm welcome for China's resumption of sovereignty over Macao, praising the successfully negotiated settlement between China and Portugal. The handover ceremony, set for Monday, will witness the end of over 100 years of Portuguese colonial rule in the region. Annan's statement came as the international community lends its full support and respect to China's resumption of sovereignty.

China and Portugal signed the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration on the Question of Macao in April 1987, setting the date for the handover. The "one country, two systems" principle, applied in Hong Kong since its return to China in July 1997, reflects the vision of late leader Deng Xiaoping. Annan praised the vision and determination of the leaders of China and Portugal, wishing Macao a prosperous and vigorous society, where the rule of law and respect for human dignity prevail.

Key Takeaways:

  • The handover of Macao to China marks the end of over 100 years of Portuguese colonial rule in the region.
  • China and Portugal have successfully negotiated the settlement, earning the full support and respect of the international community.
  • The "one country, two systems" principle, applied in Hong Kong since July 1997, will guide Macao's future development.
  • Edmund Ho Hau Wah will become Macao's first chief executive, and the first Legislative Council of the Macao Special Administrative Region will replace the outgoing Legislative Assembly.
  • Annan praised the vision and determination of China's leader Jiang Zemin and Portugal's leader Jorge Sampaio for their diplomatic efforts.

Statistics:

  • Over 100 years of Portuguese colonial rule in Macao will come to an end with the handover to China.
  • The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration on the Question of Macao was signed in April 1987.
  • The "one country, two systems" principle has been applied in Hong Kong since July 1997.
  • The handover ceremony is set for Monday, with Presidents Jiang Zemin and Jorge Sampaio, and Under Secretary-General Sergio de Mello in attendance.

Sources:

  • XINHUA
  • United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan's written statement to XINHUA.

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