Resumption by China of the Exercise of Sovereignty over Macao

The formation of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region. In May 1998, the Preparatory Committee of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the National People's Congress was established with Mr. Qian Qichen as its Chairman. On 10 April 1999, the Selection Committee for the First Government of the Macao SAR came into being. On 15 May, the Selection Committee elected Mr. Admund Ho Haw Wah as a candidate for the first Chief Executive at its third meeting. On 24 May, the State Council officially appointed Mr. Ho Chief Executive. On 11 August, the State Council appointed 7 principal officials of the first Government of the Macao SAR and Procurator-General at the recommendation of Mr. Ho. The Chief Executive, principal officials and Procurator-General assumed office on 20 Dec. 1999.

The return of Macao to China. At the mid-night of 19 Dec. 1999, a grand and solemn hand-over ceremony between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal was held at the Pavilion of Gardens of Macao Cultural Center. The Chinese Government Delegation headed by President Jiang Zemin, General Secretary of the CPC and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, the Portuguese Government Delegation headed by President Jorge Fernando Branco de Sampaio, and 2500 people from more than 50 countries and 20 international organizations attended this ceremony. President Jiang Zemin delivered a very important speech to mark the occasion. He said that the Chinese Government successfully solved the Hong Kong and Macao questions in accordance with the great concept of "one country, two systems"initiated by Deng Xiaoping. This event marked a major progress in the great cause of the Chinese people to accomplish the complete national reunification. The implementation of the policy of "one country, two systems"in Hong Kong and Macao has played and will continue to play an important demonstration role for the settlement of the Taiwan question. The Chinese Government and people have the confidence and capabilities to settle the Taiwan question and achieve a complete reunification at an early date. After the return of Macao to China, China will unswervingly implement the policies of "one country, two systems", "Macao people administering Macao" and a high degree of autonomy. The Macao Special Administrative Region will be vested with the executive, legislative and independent judicial power according to law, including final adjudication. The inhabitants in Macao, irrespective of their color and religious beliefs, are all masters of this land. Their rights and freedoms are guaranteed by law and they are all equal. On the small hours of the 20 Dec. the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region was sworn in.

The smooth return of Macao to China has opened a new page in the annals of Macao.