MACAO DAILY TIMES Xi Jinping to visit Macau for handover celebrations and inauguration of new EC

TGeneral Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, President of the People's Republic of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping will visit Macao from December 18 to 20 to attend the 25th anniversary celebration. of Macao to the Motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth term of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, according to a press release from the Government Information Office (GCS).

During his three-day visit, Xi will also conduct an inspection tour of the city.

The official announcement confirmed long-standing rumors circulating about the senior official's presence at this year's landmark celebrations.

Speculation about Xi's presence has been fueled by previously announced measures, such as a complete ban on the flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and a directive from the Chief Executive (CE) in early November, which called for that all firearms be handed over to the police.

The order, published in the Government Gazette in early November, was the first of its kind in the last 25 years. This order applied to all those who possess firearms for self-defense purposes and to private security companies, with a deadline for the surrender of all firearms by December 17.

At the time, the EC measure was justified by the solemnity and social importance of the upcoming celebrations and as a precautionary measure to ensure public order and safety.

The order also suspended all shooting exercises and sports competitions at the Macau International Shooting Center between December 1 and 22, as well as commercial activities of stores selling weapons and ammunition from December 17 to 20.

Ahead of the celebrations, police authorities were on high alert and launched an inter-ministerial joint command center to respond to any emerging security concerns.

In an in-depth publication under the You and Safety section on the Unitary Police Service (SPU) website, authorities said they will closely monitor the situation in Macau and take immediate action if necessary to ensure safety and security. ensure that citizens can enjoy happy and peaceful festivities.

The SPU stressed that given the series of celebrations and public holidays that began with the handover celebrations on December 20, it was deemed necessary to raise the state of alert.

Of particular concern seems to be the opening of the Cotai open-air event venue (December 28), which the SPU expects to attract many visitors to Macau.

These events, coupled with the holidays of local residents, are expected to increase the flow of people at border crossings and on the streets. As such, authorities have highlighted the potential increase in the number of possible risks that could affect public safety.

As an immediate consequence of the high state of police alert, public security police officers, including those assigned to tourism, were seen wearing bulletproof vests while on duty in the streets from Macau over the past few days.

CE welcomes Xi's visit for MSAR celebration.

Following the announcement of President Xi's visit to Macau, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng extended a warm welcome to Xi and expressed gratitude for the central government's support for Macau.

In a GCS statement, Ho praised Xi's leadership, saying that under President Xi's care and guidance, Macau has promoted the implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, with the Macao people governing Macao and the city's enjoyment of a high degree of autonomy, leading to social stability and economic prosperity.

Ho also noted that Xi's decision to visit Macau and participate in the 25th anniversary celebrations demonstrated the great importance the central government attaches to Macau, as well as its genuine affection for Macau.

IUpcoming EC also thanks Xi for visit

Besides Ho, sixth-term leader Sam Hou Fai also expressed welcome and gratitude to Xi for his visit to Macau to attend the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Macau's handover and the inauguration ceremony of the government of sixth term of the country. MSAR.

According to a GCS statement, Sam said he was very honored to have President Xi present at the celebrations. Reiterating Ho's sentiments, he said Xi's visit was a clear demonstration of the central government's strong support and attention to Macau and was an important event.

Sam reaffirmed that the new government of the Macau Special Administrative Region will unite and lead all sectors of Macau society, under the vision of Striving Together, Maintaining Integrity and Innovating.

He further highlighted his promise to continuously improve the practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in the Macao way and promote prosperous and stable development.

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