A Tale of Xi Jinping's Inspection in Macau
New Macau administration's commendable beginning, asserts Beijing's representative during visit.
Xia Baolong, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, recently embarked on a six-day mission to Macau, not just as a tourist, but as Xi Jinping's trusted emissary. The purpose? A fact-finding expedition to scrutinize how the new Special Administrative Region (SAR) government is toeing the line with Xi's directives and speeches delivered during his visits.
The aim of this mission is multifaceted. Firstly, Xia seeks to assess Macau's progress in realizing the "four expectations" or "four hopes" outlined by Xi. These lofty goals encompass economic diversification beyond gambling, government reform, international role enhancement, and social cohesion maintenance [2][3].
Secondly, Xia is there to ensure the Macau government's loyalty to the spirit of Xi's profound speeches and the central government's decisions, including those concerning Macau’s development and its integration within broader national strategies [1][4].
One significant area of interest is the Hengqin New Area, an island neighboring Macau, jointly managed by Guangdong and Macau governments. This zone is a critical focus for economic diversification and regional cooperation [1].
Xia Baolong's visit in May 2025 serves as a reality check on Macau's recent social and economic conditions. The new administration under Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has already garnered praise from Xia for its relentless pursuit of Xi Jinping's instructions and speeches. The administration's policy address, titled "Innovate to elevate; forge ahead to break new ground," showcases the commitment to diversify the economy, develop Hengqin, and safeguard national security [1][4].
Xia appreciates the good start Macau’s new-term government has made. The policy address, he claims, demonstrates a spirit of courage and covers a wide array of developmental topics, earning the central authorities’ affirmation and full support [1][4]. Macau's ambition, under Xi’s guidance, aspires to transcend its gambling-centered economy by capitalizing on Hengqin's development opportunities, boosting Macau’s international influence, and attracting a diverse talent pool [1].
In essence, Xi Jinping’s fact-finding mission, through Xia Baolong’s keen eyes, is a means to ensure Macau is on the right path, following Xi’s strategic vision. Early evaluations suggest that the new Macau government is making substantial strides in implementing Xi’s speeches, particularly in diversifying the economy and promoting the Hengqin New Area’s development, which remains a linchpin of Macau’s future growth and integration within the Greater Bay Area [1][2][3][4].
- The economy of Macau is being diversified beyond gambling, as the new Special Administrative Region government is working towards Xi Jinping's expectations, which were outlined during his visits.
- Xia Baolong, during his visit to Macau, is assessing the government's loyalty to the spirit of Xi Jinping's speeches and the central government's decisions, particularly in terms of policy-and-legislation concerning Macau’s development and its integration within broader national strategies.
- The Hengqin New Area, a critical focus for economic diversification and regional cooperation, is a significant topic of interest for Xia Baolong during his visit to Zhuhai, neighboring Macau.
- Xia Baolong has expressed affirmation and full support for the new Macau government's policy address, titled "Innovate to elevate; forge ahead to break new ground," which demonstrates a commitment to diversify the economy, develop Hengqin, and safeguard national security.
- The general news reflects Macau's ambition, under Xi Jinping's guidance, to transcend its gambling-centered economy by capitalizing on Hengqin's development opportunities, boosting Macau’s international influence, and attracting a diverse talent pool, in alignment with Xi’s strategic vision.
