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Xi Jinping defends 'one-China' principle during Macau visit | Xi Jinping defends 'one-China' principle during Macau visit |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Macau to mark the 15th anniversary of the former Portuguese colony's return to China. | Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Macau to mark the 15th anniversary of the former Portuguese colony's return to China. |
He urged people in the territory to respect the "one-China" principle. | He urged people in the territory to respect the "one-China" principle. |
Like neighbouring Hong Kong, Macau is a special autonomous region and has experienced protests by pro-democracy activists this year. | Like neighbouring Hong Kong, Macau is a special autonomous region and has experienced protests by pro-democracy activists this year. |
Correspondents say officials in Beijing do not want the territories to become hotbeds of dissent. | |
"We must both adhere to the 'one China' principle and respect the difference of the two systems," Mr Xi said at the inauguration of Macau's Chief Executive Fernando Chui. | "We must both adhere to the 'one China' principle and respect the difference of the two systems," Mr Xi said at the inauguration of Macau's Chief Executive Fernando Chui. |
"This is the only way leading to sound and steady progress," Mr Xi added. "Otherwise a misguided approach from the beginning, just like putting one's left foot into the right shoe, would lead us nowhere." | "This is the only way leading to sound and steady progress," Mr Xi added. "Otherwise a misguided approach from the beginning, just like putting one's left foot into the right shoe, would lead us nowhere." |
Six months ago, demonstrators in Macau took to the streets to demand greater democracy. Mr Chui was the only nominee for the chief executive position, and was elected by a 400-person panel. | Six months ago, demonstrators in Macau took to the streets to demand greater democracy. Mr Chui was the only nominee for the chief executive position, and was elected by a 400-person panel. |
Gambling problem | Gambling problem |
During his speech on Saturday, Mr Xi also referred to Macau's struggling economy. | During his speech on Saturday, Mr Xi also referred to Macau's struggling economy. |
It is the world's biggest gambling centre, but has seen casino revenues fall about 20% over the past year. | It is the world's biggest gambling centre, but has seen casino revenues fall about 20% over the past year. |
Mr Xi said the territory should reduce its dependence on one sector. | Mr Xi said the territory should reduce its dependence on one sector. |
"It is important for Macau to adopt a global, nationwide, future-oriented and long-term perspective," Mr Xi said. "Focus on building a global tourism and leisure centre... promote the Macanese economy's appropriate diversification and sustainable development." | "It is important for Macau to adopt a global, nationwide, future-oriented and long-term perspective," Mr Xi said. "Focus on building a global tourism and leisure centre... promote the Macanese economy's appropriate diversification and sustainable development." |
Macau's gambling industry has been in decline for several years. | Macau's gambling industry has been in decline for several years. |
Analysts say the recent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong - a short ferry ride away - may have led to further losses in revenue by preventing tourists from visiting. | Analysts say the recent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong - a short ferry ride away - may have led to further losses in revenue by preventing tourists from visiting. |
Activists in Hong Kong wanted Beijing to allow fully free elections for the territory's next leader in 2017. China says everyone can vote but a pro-Beijing committee will screen candidates. | Activists in Hong Kong wanted Beijing to allow fully free elections for the territory's next leader in 2017. China says everyone can vote but a pro-Beijing committee will screen candidates. |
The main pro-democracy protest camp was cleared earlier this month. | The main pro-democracy protest camp was cleared earlier this month. |