Published on: December 16, 2024, 12:38h.
Last updated on: December 16, 2024, 12:38h.
Chinese President Xi Jinping may not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony, but reports suggest he will be in Macau on Wednesday to swear in the new leader, Sam Hou-fai.
Sam, born in mainland China, is a Beijing loyalist and will be Macau’s first leader from the mainland. He aims to diversify Macau’s economy away from just gaming, aligning with Xi’s goals.
This visit will be Xi’s third to Macau since taking office in 2013. The first was in 2014, marking Macau’s secession from Portuguese rule. In 2019, Xi attended the inauguration of Sam’s predecessor, Ho Iat Seng.
‘Foreign Influence’
A decade ago, amid pro-democracy protests, Xi emphasized the “one country, two systems” policy and warned against “foreign influence,” alluding to the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
Xi also stressed the need for Macau to diversify beyond casinos.
At that time, Xi’s anti-corruption campaign affected Macau’s casino sector, leading to economic challenges.
Beijing implemented measures to control money flow to Macau and cracked down on junket operators, impacting VIP gamblers. This influenced Macau’s shift towards mass-market gaming.
Xi’s visit coincides with Macau’s 25th secession anniversary, showcasing a different industry landscape.
Kindred Spirits
Sam supports Xi’s Greater Bay Area project, aiming to integrate Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong cities for economic growth.
Sam also advocates for reform and innovation in Macau’s political and economic development.
Critics argue the project restricts freedoms in Hong Kong and weakens its identity compared to mainland China.