Lisbon communicated very little about the reception of the Chief Executive (CE). There is also the impression that it did less for this visit than China, which made a point of giving him visibility and dignity. Sam Hou Fai led the show; upon departure, he even took the time to explain the issues raised by Portugal. “Deepening the relationship” sounds like a script written by both sides, but Lisbon still seems unfocused on the next chapters.
They spoke about the Joint Commission, which is finally set to take place. The dates are far from agreed. Judging by the difficulty in confirming Sam Hou Fai’s meetings in Lisbon, it may not be so straightforward. Portugal expects to negotiate the dates “actively”. Not impressive.
They also discussed residency rights; “they asked”, the CE admitted, limiting himself to explaining to Portuguese officials how the labour market works in Macau. In essence, nothing; no positive discrimination; not even a clear interest in recruitment from Portugal. Which makes little sense, at least in areas such as Education, Justice and Health.
Finally, they discussed direct flights. Without details, clarified Sam Hou Fai, and with little enthusiasm for the topic. Portuguese diplomacy is working on it, seeking political backing and commercial viability for the route, but there does not seem to be any particular commitment from Macau.
From Sam Hou Fai’s perspective, the trip to Lisbon went well; especially when compared to the low expectations in the days leading up to an agenda that was very difficult to confirm. China worked to dignify the visit, maintaining the tradition of high-level official receptions for Macau’s Chief Executive; which was not entirely guaranteed.
The narrative of Macau as a platform is also being reinforced; something that often seems self-evident, though not always. During the recent visit of Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, there was strong interest in Beijing—and Tokyo—and little or none in Macau.
But it went well because, amid doubts about the consequences for Macau’s international image, with an agenda increasingly nationalised and less directed from Beijing, the loss of autonomy is an issue. Yet it was precisely the involvement of Chinese diplomacy that strengthened Macau’s platform role in Lisbon.
Sam Hou Fai had an agenda and fulfilled it; Lisbon provides him with visibility and allows for a positive official narrative. What is harder to understand is Lisbon’s agenda. If it aimed to please China, it succeeded; at this stage, that is not insignificant. If it truly wants to leverage the platform, assert its agenda, demand counterparts… and turn the historical relationship into political, economic—and community—potential, then many more trips like this will be needed; and with better results.
