As the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) approaches the 25th anniversary of its return to China, a recent poll reveals overwhelming support for the “One Country, Two Systems” principle among its residents. The survey, conducted jointly by CGTN and the Centre for Macau Studies, gathered responses from 1,551 residents, highlighting the region’s remarkable progress and the people’s confidence in its future.
The poll found that 93.9% of respondents are satisfied with the Macao SAR government’s performance in recent years. An impressive 91.9% believe that their political rights and freedoms are fully protected, and 90.8% commend the significant improvements in social welfare.
These positive sentiments reflect Macao’s substantial economic and social progress over the past 25 years. Since 1999, Macao’s GDP has increased by 7.3 times. In 2023, trade between the Chinese mainland and Macao reached $3.84 billion, a 4.3-fold increase compared to figures before the handover. Direct investment from the mainland into Macao has totaled $14.19 billion as of October this year.
A significant 94.3% of respondents credit the strong support of the mainland for Macao’s prosperity and development. Additionally, 92.7% feel that Macao’s ties with the mainland are growing increasingly close. With the authorization and support of the central government, Macao has established stable economic, trade, and cultural relations with over 120 countries and regions. The region now participates in more than 190 international organizations and institutions and enjoys visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges with 147 countries and regions. According to the survey, 92.5% of respondents believe that Macao’s unique advantage lies in being backed by the motherland while connected to the world.
Macao’s success story under “One Country, Two Systems” serves as a window for the world to observe this governing principle in action. In the survey, 92.2% of respondents believe that the practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in Macao has been successful. The top reasons cited include the suitability of “Macao people governing Macao” with a high degree of autonomy to the region’s realities, the comprehensive support from the central government, and the patriotism and enterprising spirit of Macao’s residents. A remarkable 93.9% of respondents expressed confidence in the continued implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” and “Macao people governing Macao.”
Looking ahead, Macao residents are optimistic about the future. In evaluating the concepts and achievements of China’s path to modernization, respondents rated accomplishments in scientific and technological innovation, cultural development, social security, and education highly. Since Macao’s integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, 93% of respondents have observed increased visitor numbers, more convenient exchanges, and attracted investments. Additionally, 93.8% believe that China’s modernization offers great opportunities for Macao, and 92.6% are optimistic about the region’s development prospects.
The poll underscores the vitality of “One Country, Two Systems” in Macao, showcasing the residents’ satisfaction with their government’s performance, their confidence in the future, and the strong ties between Macao and the mainland. As Macao celebrates its 25th anniversary since its return to China, the region stands as a testament to the success of this governing principle, highlighting the benefits of being backed by the motherland while engaging with the world.
