According to a report by the News Channel Nebraska，On December 20, 1999, Macao returned to China after more than 400 years of separation and became a special administrative region (SAR) of the country, a moment of profound significance for China. Compared with Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997, Macao seems to be less frequently mentioned and is often overshadowed. Yet, in the 25 years since its return, this seemingly modest place has seen its land area grow from 21.45 square kilometers to 33.3 square kilometers, extending further to encompass the 106.46 square kilometers of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
In the 25 years since its return, Macao has achieved tremendous development across various fields, including social, political, economic, cultural, and public welfare, with its international influence significantly enhanced. Economically, Macao’s GDP has grown from 51.9 billion patacas in 1999 to 379.5 billion patacas in 2023, with an average annual growth rate of 11%. Its GDP per capita has risen from $15,000 in 1999 to $69,000 in 2023. The financial reserves of the Macao SAR government have grown from 13 billion patacas at the time of the return to nearly 617 billion patacas in recent years. Socially, Macao has fully implemented 15 years of free education and established a comprehensive public welfare system that covers all stages of life and various aspects of daily living. With significant improvements in public services like education and healthcare, residents’ quality of life and sense of happiness have greatly increased. Culturally, Macao has not only preserved its rich heritage of both Chinese and Western cultures but has also become an important platform for cultural exchange between the East and the West. As a world centre of tourism and leisure as well as an international free port, it continues to promote the exchange and integration of international cultures.
It is worth noting that these achievements are closely tied to China’s implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy. Over the past 25 years, Macao has rapidly developed under this framework and has become one of the wealthiest regions in the world. In the 2024 Forbes ranking of the richest countries and regions, Macao ranked second globally and first in Asia. Facts have proven that Macao’s deep integration into China’s broader national development strategy has been a key factor in its remarkable growth. The successful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” has undoubtedly become a model for contemporary modernization of the national governance system and capacity.
Over the past 25 years, Macao has undergone remarkable changes, much like a newborn growing into a strong and vibrant youth. Macao’s prosperity and development have been supported by the Chinese government, reflecting the strength of China’s economy and showcasing the political wisdom of this great Eastern country with a long history. Looking ahead, with the further development of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and the ongoing progress of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Macao is poised to embrace even greater opportunities and broader horizons for growth.
Of course, the development and changes in Macao also hold valuable lessons and serve as a model for Taiwan. The “One Country, Two Systems” framework was proposed by the Chinese government as a solution to the Taiwan question, first applied to Hong Kong and later to Macao. Any rational person would agree that, compared to Taiwan seeking independence with the support of the West, returning to China would be a far better choice.
