"One Country, Two Systems" Becomes a Scandal: Xi Jinping's Unusual Moves in Macau

On August 28, 2024, the Macau Chief Executive election began accepting nominations, with former Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr. Chan Hou Hui, becoming the only candidate. He stated that he would firmly implement the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, a position that was criticized by netizens as being "completely aligned with the party as an old cadre." (Screenshot from video)

People News - On December 18, Xi Jinping attended the so-called 25th anniversary of Macau's handover to China and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR). Xi declared that Macau's version of "One Country, Two Systems" had achieved "great success." He expressed hope that the new Macau SAR government would better leverage the institutional advantages of "One Country, Two Systems" and continuously foster high-quality development of this framework.

What Is "One Country, Two Systems"? Why has it been so rarely seen throughout history? In straightforward terms, the CCP has long been aware that neither the global community nor the people of Hong Kong and Macau favor its socialist system. Thus, the CCP promised that after their return, Hong Kong and Macau could continue with capitalism. As a result, successive CCP leaders have praised the virtues of capitalism in Hong Kong and Macau.

In 1997, the CCP pledged that Hong Kong's capitalist system would remain unchanged for 50 years. However, within just six years, in 2003, the CCP began imposing its ideology, laws, and administrative practices on Hong Kong. Following resistance from Hong Kong citizens, the CCP pushed forward in 2019, disregarding international condemnation, by enforcing the extradition law, thereby implementing direct CCP-style governance. The freedoms, democracy, prosperity, and affluence that Hong Kong once enjoyed were destroyed, leaving the region in decline. By 2022, Hong Kong had effectively been reduced to just another "city" under CCP rule.

What about Macau's version of "One Country, Two Systems"? In reality, Macau is now under the same direct CCP-style governance. The only distinguishing feature is that the CCP allows the operation of the gaming industry (often referred to as the gambling industry), drawing waves of mainland tourists and Party officials to gamble and launder money. Macau, with a population of 700,000, is now more than 50% composed of mainland Chinese residents. The gaming industry serves as Macau’s economic backbone, contributing around 80% of the SAR government's tax revenue.

Xi Jinping arrived in Macau on Wednesday and is scheduled to stay for three days. According to an analysis cited by Agence France-Presse, Xi’s primary agenda for this visit likely includes integrating Macau into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area regional economic plan.

The world has never seen a capitalist country’s leader, such as U.S. President Joe Biden, visit a region of their own country and deploy massive police forces, drive citizens off the streets, and fill the roads with security personnel checking pedestrians. However, prior to Xi Jinping's arrival in Macau, the local government had already stepped up security measures half a month in advance. Before his visit, Macau resembled a state under siege, with heightened vigilance and comprehensive security upgrades. Starting December 14, the civil aviation department imposed a ban on drone flights, several main roads were temporarily closed, and all crossings between Zhuhai’s Hengqin and Macau were subjected to intensified controls. Freight trucks were prohibited from passing through, while passenger cars required facial recognition verification. Macau’s light rail operator announced the temporary closure of several key segments, and travelers entering via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge faced rigorous inspections. Independent media in Macau, under pressure, were unable to speak out on behalf of the public. In the days leading up to the visit, some civil and commercial activities were suspended, and advertising screens at bus stops operated by JCDecaux were collectively shut down, reportedly due to cybersecurity concerns.

These measures, mirroring mainland China's security practices, severely disrupted local life and sparked public outrage. One resident remarked, “Even in such an overlooked little place like Macau, they’re this scared—everything from parcel lockers to vending machines has been shut down. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.” Another added, “The CCP knows it’s so hated that it fears citizens everywhere might seek revenge, making life even harder for ordinary people. Have you ever seen a leader in a capitalist country visit their own region, causing citizens to feel like they’re under siege?”

The CCP's paranoia extended beyond Macau's borders, targeting overseas social activists and pro-democracy advocates. Former Macau activist Jason Chao, now residing in the UK, revealed that mainland Chinese public security officials reached out to him via text before Xi’s visit. The message carried veiled threats, urging him to refrain from making “disharmonious” remarks, accepting media interviews, or posting online. Chao stated, “I cannot accept such demands. This is a transnational act of intimidation aimed at silencing my voice even here in the UK.”

Similarly, former Macau journalist Chui Tsz-cheung, now in Taiwan, shared a comparable experience. He noted that last month, mainland Chinese officials contacted him, claiming, “The boss is coming, and we’re focusing on Macau’s current situation.” Chui responded, “There’s no opposition left. The pro-democracy camp has been disqualified. Macau is now a picture of harmony.” Chui described these actions as emblematic of Macau’s ongoing decline in human rights and freedom over the past five years.

According to Agence France-Presse, Beijing has gradually tightened its political grip on Macau in recent years. The implementation of national security laws and adjustments to the electoral system have significantly weakened pro-democracy voices. Less than half of Macau’s Legislative Assembly seats are now elected, with pro-democracy representation never exceeding 15%. In 2021, several pro-democracy candidates were barred from running, accused of being “disloyal to the Basic Law.”

Democracy activists in Macau report that the government has increasingly restricted public gatherings, protests, and media activity.

During Xi’s arrival, observant viewers noticed subtle but telling moments captured by the news cameras, some of which were later removed by China Central Television (CCTV). One notable instance was First Lady Peng Liyuan tightly holding Xi's hand as they descended the airplane stairs, visibly concerned about his balance. She even leaned in to say, “Take it slow.” Peng kept her eyes fixed on the stairs and Xi’s feet throughout the process, indicating her anxiety about a potential misstep. Another moment involved a child offering flowers to Xi. When the child extended their hand for a handshake, Xi appeared unresponsive for several seconds. Only after the child extended their hand a second time did Xi react and shake it.

Observers have stated that this clearly indicates Xi Jinping's health issues are an undeniable fact. However, Hong Kong and Macau are currently in even worse shape than Xi's health. Some analyses suggest that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) cannot bear to see others prosper. Because Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are wealthy, democratic, and widely admired, the CCP has been obsessed with seizing control, working tirelessly day and night to bring them under its grip. Once they managed to do so, the CCP wasted no time in imposing its authoritarian rule. By now, it is clear to the world that the so-called "one country, two systems" is nothing more than a pretext used by the CCP to deceive. It is merely a temporary fig leaf to cover its true intentions. Years ago, the CCP eagerly sought to tear away this disguise, exposing its malicious nature and ugly reality for the world to see.