In this newspaper, back in mid-October, we assumed that President Xi Jinping would indeed come to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Macau Special Administrative Region—and the inauguration of Sam Hou Fai. Beyond the preparations we detected at the time, today we see multiplying signs of traffic restrictions, protocols and exceptional procedures, special security laws and mechanisms… and even efforts to manage the impact of his presence and political message. While it has not yet been officially confirmed and Xi Jinping’s agenda remains a sensitive secret, we must say what needs to be said should his visit be confirmed: welcome, we look forward to your arrival. We must listen carefully—and there are things I hope you will say.
At times, riding on the presumed importance we ascribe to this small enclave—which, in fact, pales in comparison to the vastness of the country and the challenges China faces—we forget the exceptional political significance of a second presidential visit in just five years. This holds true both in terms of the visibility it grants Macau at the national level and in the context of its international representation. But certainly, anyone living in Macau has no doubt about the political impact of the President’s visit. What Xi Jinping says—or does not say—will be absolutely decisive for the Macau SAR government. It will also affect the image of Macau and China, especially in Portugal, Europe more broadly, and within the Lusophone world.
It is expected that he will again emphasize patriotism and national security. These are now integral to the DNA of the Central Government and its top leader; we will hear them without surprise. Indeed, these themes have already been deeply internalized—and repeated countless times—by the local elite. But there is much more to it than that: while Macau may not hold the significance we sometimes attribute to it, it remains a crucial political asset. It is an icon of autonomy, devoid of any trace of anti-nationalist sentiment; it is unique in its diversity and the potential this represents; it is proof that Beijing respects difference and knows how to derive benefits from it; it serves as a gateway for the safe internationalization of the economy—critical for China… and, in essence, Macau is less than it could be, but much more than it appears.
In this context, 25 years after the transfer of sovereignty, the success of rentier capitalism under a single-party socialism is a source of pride for the Motherland. Xi Jinping is expected to showcase this trophy; he has every right to do so. The liberalization of gaming made Macau a global beacon of economic growth, and now the city aspires to transition into a modern society that breaks free from its dependence on gambling. Here… Xi Jinping might be more critical. While pride may be taken in the concept, in practice, economic diversification has fallen far short. Many leaders from the North have come here to point this out—and they’re right; we must listen.
Then there’s everything else: bureaucracy, conservatism, arrogance… all of which greatly delay progress. Bureaucratic resistance blocks the critical mass needed—from China, the Lusophone world, and beyond. GDP remains poorly distributed, with too much liberalism and too little communism. It is indeed necessary for those in charge to force a better balance.
As for Macau as an international, multicultural city and a platform between the Greater Bay Area and the Lusophone world—this vision is simply not advancing. Unfortunately, Xi Jinping cannot take pride in this. Perhaps by coincidence—or not—this was also absent from the speeches at the inauguration of the new Executive.
Dear President: there is a world in Macau waiting for this; there is a world outside listening to your thoughts on it; Macau desperately needs you to address it; and China stands only to gain from it. We would greatly welcome anything you might say to help us keep believing in this vision.
