On December 20, 1999, a monumental event took place in the annals of Chinese and Portuguese history: Macau was officially returned to Chinese rule. This date marks the end of a half-century of Portuguese administration over the former Portuguese colony, and the beginning of Macau’s new chapter as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China.
The Background
Macau’s history as a Portuguese colony began in 1557 when the Portuguese obtained the right to establish a trading post on the southeastern coast of China. Over the next few centuries, Macau evolved into a significant port and a hub for international trade, particularly in the opium trade. Despite several attempts by the Chinese government to reclaim Macau, the colony remained under Portuguese control until the 20th century.
In 1974, Portugal underwent a Carnation Revolution, which ended the authoritarian Estado Novo regime and paved the way for a new era of democratization. The Portuguese government, under pressure from international opinion and the Chinese government, began negotiations to return Macau to China.
The Negotiations
The negotiations for the handover of Macau were complex and protracted. They involved the Portuguese government, the Chinese government, and the Macau government. The central issue was how to ensure a smooth transition that would protect Macau’s unique cultural heritage and economic interests while integrating the SAR into the wider Chinese political and economic framework.
The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration, signed on April 13, 1987, laid out the terms of the handover. The declaration established that Macau would become a SAR of China with a high degree of autonomy, retaining its own legal system, economic system, and social system for a period of 50 years.
The Return
The official handover ceremony took place at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Macau’s most iconic landmark. In a solemn ceremony, the Portuguese flag was lowered, and the Chinese flag was hoisted, symbolizing the end of Portuguese rule and the beginning of Macau’s new era.
The first Chief Executive of Macau, Edmund Ho Hau-wai, was sworn in on December 20, 1999. This marked the formal beginning of Macau’s SAR government, which operates under the principle of “one country, two systems.”
The Impact
The return of Macau to Chinese rule has had a profound impact on the city. Economically, Macau has become one of the world’s leading gambling hubs, with the gaming industry contributing significantly to its GDP. Culturally, Macau has maintained its unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese heritage, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
However, the handover has also brought challenges. The integration of Macau into the Chinese political and economic framework has raised concerns about the preservation of its autonomy and unique identity. The SAR government has had to navigate a complex web of relationships with the central government in Beijing, as well as with the Portuguese government and the international community.
Conclusion
The return of Macau to Chinese rule on December 20, 1999, was a historic event that marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the city. It is a testament to the power of diplomacy and the potential for peaceful coexistence between different cultures and political systems.