In the interview published in this issue (pages 4 to 6) Ip Kuai Peng makes it very clear that Beijing does not recognize Macau any autonomy in foreign policy, which is always subsidiary to the national interest.
That is why Forum Macau has an exclusively economic and commercial – not political – scope.
And this is also the reason why he has had so much difficulty in asserting himself and being noticed. Because, in fact, Macao’s role is clearly geostrategic – it is not commercial at all.
But that is also why, far beyond the historical friendship, the Portuguese language and culture in the Macao SAR, Ho Iat Seng’s visit to Portugal, in April, represents much more than a traditional formality.
Because it opens a new cycle in bilateral relations between Beijing and Lisbon, at a particularly tense time in Beijing’s relations with the Western world.
In this context, the arrival in Macau of the new consul of Portugal deserves special mention – for the way in which he did so. Alexandre Leitão had the lucidity and courage to assume, without hesitation, the four strategic axes of his consulate. What is rare in diplomacy; holds his mandate accountable; and allows it to be evaluated in the medium and long term.
But above all because it allows everyone to understand the institutional relationship it wants to have with the local government, with Beijing’s representatives in the Macao SAR; and with the Portuguese community.
There is a lot of time to follow and evaluate this strategic vision, but it is important to establish its due relevance now: 1 – extend and qualify consular services (regardless of ethnicity and language of each one); 2 – emphasize the unique character of the Portuguese language and culture, not as a mere historical right, but as an added value for the promotion of tourism and economic diversification; 3 – promote economic exchange, not only attracting Chinese investment to Portugal, but also finding opportunities for Portuguese investment in this platform for Greater Bay and mainland China; 4 – present Portugal as a modern, technologically advanced country, and an added value for partnerships in the sustainable economy: green, yes; but mostly blue.
It is clear that the resident Portuguese community also asks for more human warmth. He misses the relational vertigo brought by Vítor Sereno, and also because that emotional side was crushed by Paulo Cunha Alves, who leaves no nostalgia in this field.
Whatever balance Alexandre Leitão decides now, in the field of affections, structurally this is not what truly matters. From the point of view of the strategic vision, it comes in very well. I hope it comes out even better.
This is also a very particular moment in modern political history; in the context of a new kind of cold war, in which the West confronts China on the other side of the wall, alongside Russia.
Fortunately, Portugal does not make that mistake, making a difference that Beijing certainly recognizes. The honors worthy of a head of state accorded to Ho Iat Seng’s visit are in stark contrast to Brussels, where the Chief Executive’s visit – on his return to Portugal – was transformed into a mere courtesy visit. Clearly, due to the absence of relevant interlocutors.
By the way, in the context of the charm operation of the Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Wang Yi wanted to hug his European “friends”, but he felt the cold blowing from Washington.
Brussels is far from the times when the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, turned her back on Trumpism and launched the ladder to the east. US pressure against China is global; it is felt everywhere today.
And, here too, in such a sensitive matter, which surpasses him, Alexandre Leitão manages to be clear: Portugal understands its allies, but does not accept, “nor feels”, this pressure; rather, it values the relationship with Macau and the strategic partnership with China.
As a small, conservative, often innocent and provincial land, Macau has had great difficulty in understanding the fundamental issue in the mission of being a platform. Which is much bigger than the Macao SAR – and its internal agenda – and has always been much bigger than this or that circumstance. This is the time to put both feet firmly on this land of opportunity. Because this one is, in fact, much bigger than us, each and every one of us. The rest are just bills. Those, do them in the casinos.
*Director General of PLATAFORMA
