Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macau on Wednesday to celebrate a quarter-century of Beijing’s rule over the former Portuguese enclave, and will likely urge further diversification of its casino industry during his three-day visit.
Xi’s visit to the world’s largest gambling hub is his third as president, during which he will attend the inauguration of the territory’s new chief executive, elected in October. Xi last visited in 2019 when anti-government protests rocked neighboring financial hub Hong Kong.
A special administrative region of China, Macau is the only place in the country where gambling is legal, and its economy is heavily dependent on the casino industry, which contributes about 80% of regional tax revenues.
Located on the southern coast of China, Macau returned to Chinese rule on December 20, 1999, governed under the same “one country, two systems” formula as Hong Kong.
Beijing has consistently praised Macau for its loyalty and stability, with more than half of its 700,000 population having immigrated from China in recent decades.
The city was under tight security ahead of Xi’s arrival on Wednesday, with several roads closed and Macau’s light rapid transit operator announcing the temporary closure of a major section.
Xi, who was welcomed at Macau’s airport by dozens of cheering schoolchildren and lion dancers waving yellow and red flowers, said Macau was the “jewel of the motherland”.
“I have always been concerned about the development of this place and the well-being of all its residents,” he told the crowd, which included senior government officials and Macau’s current leader Ho Iat Seng.
“In the next few days, I will take walks, observe and have wide and in-depth exchanges with friends from all walks of life to discuss Macau’s development plans.”
Since taking office in 2013, Xi has called for “proper diversification and sustainable development” of the Macanese economy as part of a broader anti-corruption campaign, including opening up casinos and the flow of money across borders. This move has reduced gambling revenues from the high roller VIP sector.
On Thursday, Xi is scheduled to attend a gala dinner and cultural performance at the Macau Dome, located along Macau’s Las Vegas-style Cotai strip, according to the city government.
On Friday, he will attend the anniversary celebration and inauguration of Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, 62, who was born in China’s southern Guangdong province and speaks fluent Portuguese.
Sam, head of Macau’s supreme court since 1999, will become the first city leader born and raised in mainland China.
He was the only candidate allowed by a panel of 400 pro-China loyalists to run in Macau’s elections. In December, Sam unveiled his team of officials to rule Macau for the next five years.
Among them is Tai Kin Ip, a veteran economy minister tasked with diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on gambling revenues brought in by operators Wynn Macau, Sands China, SJM Holdings, Galaxy Entertainment, Melco and MGM China.
Sam has vowed to improve the livelihoods of residents and develop non-gaming industries after taking charge on Friday.
He said Macau would also develop its role as a mediator between Chinese and Portuguese-speaking countries and cooperate with other southern Chinese cities in the Greater Bay Area.
On instructions from Beijing, Macau’s government last year prepared its first economic blueprint, focused on a strategy that envisions tourism and leisure as key pillars.
Chinese flags and red congratulatory banners were flown on streets and buildings around the city in preparation for the 25th anniversary celebrations. Large signs welcoming Xi were displayed across the casino’s exterior.