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Handover of Macau

{{Short description|1999 handover of Macau from Portugal to China}}

{{Use British English|date=January 2012}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}

{{Infobox event

| native_name = {{lang|zh-MO|澳門回歸}}

{{lang|pt|Transferência de Macau|italics=no}}

| image = Lisbonagreement.jpg

| caption = Sino-Portuguese Lisbon Agreement, which was signed in 1887

| date = {{start date and age|1999|12|20|df=yes}}

| time = 00:00 (MST, UTC+08:00)

| location = Macau

| participants = {{flagicon|CHN}} China
{{flagicon|Portugal}} Portugal

}}

{{Infobox Chinese

| order = ts

| t = 澳門回歸

| s = 澳门回归

| j = ou3 mun4*2 wui4 gwai1

| p = Àomén Huíguī

| por = Transferência de Macau

}}

{{History of the People's Republic of China}}

The handover of Macau from the Portuguese Republic to the People's Republic of China was at midnight on 20 December 1999. This event ended 442 years of Portuguese rule in the former settlement, which began in 1557.

Macau was settled by Portuguese merchants in 1557, during the Ming dynasty and was subsequently under various degrees of Portuguese rule until 1999. Portugal's involvement in the region was formally recognised by the Qing dynasty in 1749. The Portuguese governor João Maria Ferreira do Amaral, emboldened by the First Opium War and the Treaty of Nanking, attempted to annex the territory, expelling Qing authorities in 1846, but was assassinated.Mayers, William Frederick (1902). [https://archive.org/stream/cu31924023464278#page/n177/mode/2up Treaties Between the Empire of China and Foreign Powers] (4th ed.). Shanghai: North-China Herald. pp. 156–157. After the Second Opium War, the Portuguese government, along with a British representative, signed the 1887 Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Peking that gave Portugal perpetual colonial rights to Macau on the condition that Portugal would cooperate in efforts to end the smuggling of opium.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, and the transfer of China's seat to the People's Republic of China at the United Nations in 1971, then Foreign Minister Huang Hua appealed to the UN Special Committee on Decolonization to remove Macau (and Hong Kong) from its list of colonies, preferring bilateral negotiations ending in a return of the territory, rather than the independence of the territory as was implied by its inclusion on the list.

On 25 April 1974, a group of left-wing Portuguese officers organized a coup d'état in Lisbon, overthrowing the right-wing dictatorship that had controlled Portugal for 48 years. The new government began to transition Portugal to a democratic system and was committed to decolonization. The government carried out decolonization policies, and proposed Macau's handover to China in 1978.{{Cite book |last=Maxwell |first=Kenneth Robert |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/51751725 |title=Naked Tropics: Essays on Empire and Other Rogues |date=2003 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-94577-6 |language=en |doi=10.4324/9781315024370 |oclc=51751725 |author-link=Kenneth Maxwell |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135333/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=99mDi7KYa1oC&pg=PA280&lpg=PA280&dq=%22National+People%27s+Congress%22+%22ho+yin%22+macau&source=bl&ots=1ElNmlIv-w&sig=IPpSQ69lyxBtjdD7PNLDQ6uoNKs&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjvvvPKvcvLAhWhC5oKHQ71DbMQ6AEIODAF#v=onepage&q=%22ho%20yin%22%20&f=false |archive-date=17 January 2023 |url-status=live}} The Chinese government rejected this proposal, believing that an early handover of Macau would impact relations with Hong Kong.{{page needed|date=February 2021}}

On 31 December 1975, the Portuguese government withdrew its remaining troops from Macau. On 8 February 1979, the Portuguese government decided to break off diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, and established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China the next day. Both Portugal and the People's Republic of China recognized Macau as Chinese territory. The colony remained under Portuguese rule until 20 December 1999, when its handover to China took place and became the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. This marked the end of nearly 600 years of Portuguese overseas colonialism.

Negotiations

On 20 May 1986, the People's Republic of China, along with Portugal, officially announced that talks on Macanese affairs would take place in Beijing on 30 June 1986. The Portuguese delegation arrived in Beijing in June, and was welcomed by the Chinese delegation led by Zhou Nan.{{cite web|author1=朱杏桂|script-title=zh:澳門回歸|url=https://www.chiculture.net/30063/c17.html|script-website=zh:中葡文化交流|script-quote=zh:4月13日，中國國務院總理 趙紫陽、葡萄牙總理 席爾瓦分別代表兩國政府在北京正式簽署《中華人民共和國政府和葡萄牙共和國政府關於澳門問題的聯合聲明》，確認中華人民共和國政府將於1999年12月20日對澳門恢復行使主權。|access-date=18 July 2020|archive-date=11 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211025019/https://www.chiculture.net/30063/c17.html|url-status=live}}{{cite book |script-title=zh:澳門歷史的見證：中葡關於澳門問題聯合聲明簽署儀式圖輯 |date=January 2000 |publisher=Macau Data |url=https://www.macaudata.com/macaubook/book222/html/02201.htm |access-date=18 July 2020 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809213421/https://www.macaudata.com/macaubook/book222/html/02201.htm |url-status=live }}

The talks consisted of four sessions, all held in Beijing:

  • The first conference: 30 June – 1 July 1986
  • The second conference: 9–10 September 1986
  • The third conference: 21–22 October 1986
  • The fourth conference: 18–23 March 1987

During the negotiations, Portuguese representatives offered to return Macau in 1987, but Chinese representatives rejected that year (as well rejecting previous requests for 1967, 1975, and 1977). China requested 1997, the same year as Hong Kong, but Portugal refused. 2004 was suggested by Portugal, as well as 2007 as that year would mark the 450th anniversary of Portugal renting Macau. However, China insisted for a year before 2000 as the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group in Hong Kong would be dissolved in 2000 as envisioned in 1986 (the Joint Liaison Group would ultimately be dissolved in 1999).{{Cite web |url=http://www.scmp.com/topics/sino-british-joint-liaison-group |title=Sino-British Joint Liaison Group | South China Morning Post |access-date=25 April 2019 |archive-date=6 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306122240/http://www.scmp.com/topics/sino-british-joint-liaison-group |url-status=dead }} Eventually the year 1999 was agreed upon.{{Cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2017/11/27/declassified-portugal-may-hoped-2004-handover-macau-china-instead-1999/|title=Declassified: Portugal may have hoped for a 2004 Handover of Macau to China, instead of 1999|first=Kris|last=Cheng|date=27 November 2017|website=Hong Kong Free Press|access-date=17 July 2020|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009055853/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2017/11/27/declassified-portugal-may-hoped-2004-handover-macau-china-instead-1999/|url-status=live}}

On 13 April 1987, the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration by the governments of the People's Republic of China and the Portuguese Republic was formally signed by the Prime Ministers of both governments in Beijing.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=1987-04-14 |title=Portugal, China Sign Accord to Return Tiny Macao to Chinese Control in 1999 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-04-14-mn-202-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414041411/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-04-14/news/mn-202_1_china-and-portugal |archive-date=14 April 2016 |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

Transition period (1987–1999)

The twelve years between the signing of the "Sino-Portuguese Declaration" on 13 April 1987 and the handover on 20 December 1999 were known as "the transition".

On 15 January 1988, the Chinese Foreign Affairs Department announced the Chinese members of the groups that would begin the talk on the issues of Macau during the transition. On 13 April, the "Draft of the Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region Committee" was established during the seventh National People's Congress, and on 25 October, the committee convened the first conference, in which they passed the general outline of the draft and the steps, and decided to organise the "Draft of the Basic Law of Macau Special Administrative Region Information Committee".[http://www.npc.gov.cn/zgrdw/common/zw.jsp?label=WXZLK&id=2174 关于澳门特别行政区基本法起草委员会名单（草案）的说明]{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}，中国人大网，1988年08月29日 On 31 March 1993, the National People's Congress passed the resolution on the Basic Law of Macau, which marked the beginning of the latter part of the transition.{{Cite web|url=http://www.acm.org.mo/99huigui/Msa_99.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050113050420/http://www.acm.org.mo/99huigui/Msa_99.htm|url-status=dead|script-title=zh:澳門中華總商會：澳門主權交接祖國大事記|archivedate=13 January 2005}}

Handover events

{{multiple image

| total_width = 200

| direction = vertical

| image1 = Flag of Portugal.svg

|width1=800 |height1=533

| alt1 = Flag of the Portuguese Republic

| image2 = Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg

|width2=800 |height2=533

| alt2 = Flag of the People's Republic of China

| footer = The flags of Portugal and China, countries that were participants in the ceremony.

}}

The official handover was held at midnight on that day at the Macao Cultural Centre Garden purpose-built Temporary Pavilion. It was designed by Vicente Bravo Ferreira and constructed with a cost of MOP 60 million, measuring 20 metres high and covering an area of 6000 square metres.{{cite web|url=https://macaostreets.iam.gov.mo/en/spotdetail/article/krd99ego.html|title=The Handover Gifts Museum of Macao|website=macaostreets.iam.gov.mo|access-date=9 May 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.icm.gov.mo/handovermuseum/en/detail/1|title=Handover Gifts Museum of Macao|website=icm.gov.mo|access-date=9 May 2022}} The ceremony began in the evening and ended at dawn of 20 December.{{cite book|url=https://fliphtml5.com/ckouv/ruge/%E9%9B%9C%E8%AA%8C%E8%A8%AD%E8%A8%88_-_HKSEA_2017_%232/|title=Hong Kong Art Education Journal Issue 2 2017/Design education in theatre arts Text and Photo Provided by Professor Donato Moreno|publisher=Hong Kong Society for Education in Art}} At the same time, an all-night official celebration gala was held at Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mark this occasion.{{cite web|url=http://en.people.cn/english/199912/19/eng19991219C101.html|title=Beijing Gala to Mark Macao's Return|website=en.people.cn|date=19 December 1999}}

= Stage design =

Like the stage and chairs and podia of the Hong Kong handover ceremony two years ago, the big green stage and chairs and podia in the pavilion were designed by renowned American professional stage designer, Donato Moreno. The left podium was attached with the National Emblem of the People's Republic of China, while the right podium was attached with the lesser Coat of arms of Portugal (Without the laurel, like the one on the Portuguese national flag). Both podia were located at stage centre in front of the chairs of the main representatives (5 for each country) and beside the flagpoles (2 for each country, taller ones for the sovereign state and the shorter ones for the territorial flag of Macau, correspond to the sovereign state it is under at the time during the ceremony). Unlike Hong Kong, Macau did not have a colonial flag, so the flag of the Municipality of Macau was used to represent Portuguese Macau at the ceremony. This flag was also used to represent Macau at international sporting events prior to the handover.{{cite web|url=https://donato-l-moreno.com/the-macau-handover/|title=Macau Handover 1999|website=donato-l-moreno.com|date=9 March 2021 }}

= Representatives =

Representatives at the handover ceremony included:{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujWiorEPPiA|title=Handover of Macau Video|website=YouTube |date=13 June 2020 }}

{{col-start}}

{{col-2}}

;{{flagicon|China}} For the People's Republic of China

{{col-2}}

;{{flagicon|Portugal}} For the Portuguese Republic

{{col-end}}

Other representatives at the ceremony included:

and representatives from more than 50 other countries and dozens of international organisations.

= Sunday, 19 December 1999 =

File:Bandeira Lea lSenado Original.jpg

File:Flag of Macau.svg

  • (12:05 Macau Time/4:05 Lisbon Time) – President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji arrived in Macau by Air China Boeing 747 from Beijing.{{cite web|url=http://en.people.cn/english/199912/19/eng19991219N101.html|title=Chinese President Arrives in Macao for Handover Ceremony|website=en.people.cn|date=19 December 1999}}{{cite web|url=http://en.people.cn/english/199912/19/eng19991219A101.html|title=Chinese President Speaks Before Leaving for Macao|website=en.people.cn|date=19 December 1999}}
  • (16:30 Macau Time/8:30 Lisbon Time) – Governor Vasco Joaquim Rocha Vieira departed from his residence at Santa Sancha Palace for his office at Praia Grande Palace.
  • (17:00 Macau Time/9:00 Lisbon Time) – Lowering of the national flag of Portugal at Praia Grande Palace, during which the Governor receives the flag.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/trad/hi/newsid_570000/newsid_571700/571727.stm {{lang|zh-Hant|澳督府降旗：澳門移交開始}}]{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113110439/http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/trad/hi/newsid_570000/newsid_571700/571727.stm |date=13 January 2008 }}，BBC中文網1999年12月19日{{cite web|url=http://en.people.cn/english/199912/19/eng19991219N106.html|title=Portuguese Flag Lowered in Macao|website=en.people.cn|date=19 December 1999}}
  • (18:00 Macau Time/10:00 Lisbon Time) – The cultural event began with dragon and lion dances. These were followed by a slideshow of historical events and features of Macau, which included a mixture of the religions and races of the East and the West, and the unique society of native Portuguese born in Macau. In the final performance, 442 children who represented the 442 years of Portuguese history in Macau were presented along with several international stars to perform the song "Praise for Peace".
  • (19:50 Macau Time/11:50 Lisbon Time) – A cocktail reception was held, but due to strong winds, the waterfront firework display could not be held as planned.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/dec/20/johngittings|title=Chinese joy as Macau returns after 442 years|date=20 December 1999|author=John Gittings|work=The Guardian}}
  • (21:00 Macau Time/13:00 Lisbon Time) – Official pre-ceremony banquet.
  • (23:45 Macau Time/15:45 Lisbon Time) – Handover Ceremony officially begins. Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio reads the farewell speech, vowing solidarity with Macau.
  • (23:58:30-23:59:40 Macau Time/15:58:30-15:59:40 Lisbon Time) – The Flag of Portugal and the Flag of the Municipality of Macau were slowly lowered to the Portuguese national anthem "A Portuguesa", symbolising the end of Portuguese colonial rule in Macau.

=Monday, 20 December 1999=

File:PLA Enter Macau.jpg troops entering Macau midday on 20 December 1999.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/572005.stm|title=China troops enter Macau|website=news.bbc.co.uk|date=20 December 1999}}]]

  • (00:00:00 Macau Time (same as Beijing Time)) – Sovereignty of Macau is officially transferred from Portuguese Republic to the People's Republic of China. The Flag of the People's Republic of China and the Macau regional flag were simultaneously raised to the Chinese national anthem "March of the Volunteers", to officially mark the beginning of the Chinese rule in Macau. Chinese leader Jiang Zemin gave a speech expressing his optimism for the "one country, two systems" implementation as the answer for Taiwan's eventual reunification. Grand celebrations begin in the mainland with fireworks displays over Tiananmen Square.
  • (00:15 Macau/Beijing Time) – President Jorge Sampaio, Prime Minister Antonio Guterres and other Portuguese officials flew out by an Air Macau Airbus A320 from Macau International Airport to Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport.{{youtube|yDGFv-qMCbk}}{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/570646.stm|title=Portugal reflects on Macau|date=17 December 1999|website=bbc.co.uk}} President Jorge was scheduled to start his two day visit to Thailand before heading to East Timor. But due to pneumonia, he shortened his stay in the Thai capital, postponed his East Timor trip and went back to Lisbon, Portugal the next day.
  • (01:30 Macau/Beijing Time) – A swearing-in ceremony was held at the Macao Cultural Centre for various MSAR officials including Chief Executive Edmund Ho, Secretary for Administration and Justice Florinda Chan and Secretary for Economy and Finance Francis Tam.
  • (10:00 Macau/Beijing Time) – The new Macau government hosted a celebration for 3,000 guests. Newly appointed Chief Executive Edmund Ho makes his inaugural speech.
  • (12:00 Macau/Beijing Time) – People's Liberation Army troops from the Macau Garrison arrive by land.
  • (13:00 Macau/Beijing Time) – Parade of various Macau-based organisations and institutions.

Aftermath

After the handover of Macau to China, the Macau Special Administrative Region, the Legislative Assembly and the Judiciary were all put into practice accordingly under the regulation of the Basic Law.

The introduction of the Individual Visit Scheme policy made it easier for Chinese mainland residents to travel back and forth. In 2005 alone, there were more than 10 million tourists from mainland China, which made up 60% of the total number of tourists in Macau. The income from the gambling houses in Macau reached almost US$5.6 billion.{{Cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/chinese/w2006-07-03-voa35.cfm|title=Voice of America (Chinese): The gambling income in Macau is catching up with Las Vegas|access-date=3 December 2006|archive-date=17 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135350/https://www.voachinese.com/|url-status=dead}} On 15 July 2005, the Historic Centre of Macau was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. The increasing development of tourism became a major factor in the rapid development of the economy of Macau.

For Portugal, the handover of Macau to China marked the end of the Portuguese Empire and its decolonisation process and also the end of European imperialism in China and Asia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hkupop.hku.hk/chinese/header.html|script-title=zh:港澳比較調查顯示：澳門市民比香港市民支持政府|website=hkupop.hku.hk|access-date=17 July 2020|archive-date=7 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707033407/https://www.hkupop.hku.hk/chinese/header.html|url-status=live}}

Before and after handover

class="wikitable" style="clear:both; width:100%;"

! width=50% | Unchanged after 20 December 1999

! width=50% | Changed after 20 December 1999

valign=top

|

  1. Portuguese remains an official language.{{cite web |title=portuguese-makes-comeback-macau Portuguese makes comeback in Macau |url=http://www.scmp.com/article/683202/portuguese-makes-comeback-macau |work=South China Morning Post |date=10 June 2009 |access-date=17 July 2020 |archive-date=3 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160903061632/http://www.scmp.com/article/683202/portuguese-makes-comeback-macau |url-status=live }} Public signs are bilingual in Portuguese and Traditional Chinese, although signs may also include English.{{Cite web|url=https://www.alamy.com/china-macau-sign-board-of-city-street-image69780302.html|title=Stock Photo - China, Macau, sign board of city street|website=Alamy|access-date=17 July 2020|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719012635/https://www.alamy.com/china-macau-sign-board-of-city-street-image69780302.html|url-status=live}} However, many schools teach in Cantonese in parallel with Mandarin and Portuguese.
  2. The legal system remains separate from that of mainland China, broadly based on the Portuguese civil system, with some Portuguese judges continuing to serve.[http://en.people.cn/90002/98666/99182/6842417.html The Legal and Judiciary System of Macao] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314083747/http://en.people.cn/90002/98666/99182/6842417.html |date=14 March 2016 }},People's Daily, 15 December 2009
  3. Macau retained the pataca as its currency, which remained the responsibility of the Monetary Authority of Macau, and pegged to the Hong Kong dollar.[http://www.amcm.gov.mo/en/currency/currency-in-circulation-in-macao Currency in Circulation in Macao] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204075339/https://www.amcm.gov.mo/en/currency/currency-in-circulation-in-macao |date=4 December 2019 }}, Monetary Authority of Macau However, the Bank of China began issuing banknotes in 1995.[http://www.boc.cn/en/aboutboc/ab7/200809/t20080926_1601846.html Bank of China Authorized to Issue HKD and MOP (1987–1992)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411141108/http://www.boc.cn/en/aboutboc/ab7/200809/t20080926_1601846.html |date=11 April 2016 }}, Bank of China
  4. The border with the mainland, while now known as the boundary, continues to be patrolled as before, with separate immigration and customs controls.[http://macaudailytimes.com.mo/police-expects-visitor-increase-round-clock-borders.html Police expects visitor increase with round-the-clock borders] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408230626/http://macaudailytimes.com.mo/police-expects-visitor-increase-round-clock-borders.html |date=8 April 2016 }}, Macau Daily Times, 17 December 2014
  5. Macau citizens are still required to apply for a Mainland Travel Permit, in order to visit mainland China.[http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201202/15/P201202150334.htm LCQ1: Immigration clearance and entry visas to the Mainland for non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents with foreign passports] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109234739/http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201202/15/P201202150334.htm |date=9 January 2015 }}, Government Information Centre, 15 February 2012
  6. Citizens of mainland China still do not have the right of abode in Macau, except if they were born in Macau (before or after the establishment of the SAR).[http://www.dsi.gov.mo/aboderight_e.jsp Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macao SAR] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322020459/http://dsi.gov.mo/aboderight_e.jsp |date=22 March 2016 }}, Identification Services Bureau Instead, they had to apply for a permit to visit or settle in Macau from the PRC government.[http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/fwxx/wgrqz/t1055657.htm Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331061809/http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/fwxx/wgrqz/t1055657.htm |date=31 March 2016 }}, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
  7. Macau continues to operate as a separate customs territory from mainland China.[http://eeas.europa.eu/macao/index_en.htm EU Relations with Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325143338/http://eeas.europa.eu/macao/index_en.htm |date=25 March 2016 }}, European External Action Service
  8. Macau remains an individual member of various international organizations, such as APEC and WTO.[https://www.economia.gov.mo/en/web/public/pg_eetr_ieto_apec Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413082059/https://www.economia.gov.mo/en/web/public/pg_eetr_ieto_apec |date=13 April 2016 }}, Direcção dos Serviços de Economia
  9. Macau continues to negotiate and maintain its own aviation bilateral treaties with foreign countries and territories.[https://www.msc.org.mo/character/detail.php?id=146&lg=eng Macao and Lao initialed new Air Services Agreement to liberalize the air transport market between the two places] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412064123/https://www.msc.org.mo/character/detail.php?id=146&lg=eng |date=12 April 2016 }}, Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR, 24 November 2010 These include flights to Taiwan.[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/02/18/2003583792 Restrictions on Taiwan- Macau flights to be lifted] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409032226/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/02/18/2003583792 |date=9 April 2016 }}, Taipei Times, 18 February 2014
  10. Macau remains an individual member of sporting organizations such as FIFA.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/associations/association/mac/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417212709/https://www.fifa.com/associations/association/MAC/|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 April 2019|title=Member Association - Macau |publisher=FIFA}} However, the Sports and Olympic Committee of Macau, China, while a member of the Olympic Council of Asia, is not a member of the International Olympic Committee.{{Cite web|url=http://www.macauolympic.org/EN/WebContext1.aspx?ID=3&TYPE=1|title=Sports Olympic Committee of Macau,China|website=macauolympic.org|access-date=14 April 2016|archive-date=28 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828222248/http://www.macauolympic.org/EN/WebContext1.aspx?ID=3&TYPE=1|url-status=live}}
  11. Macau citizens continue to have easier access to many countries, including those in Europe and North America, with Macau SAR passport holders having visa-free access to 117 other countries and territories.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dsi.gov.mo/documents/visa_free_list_e.pdf|title=The following countries/territories have agreed to grant visa-free access or visa-on-srrival to the holders of Macao (SAR) passport|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208000540/http://www.dsi.gov.mo/documents/visa_free_list_e.pdf|url-status=dead}}
  12. Foreign nationals, including Portuguese citizens, are allowed to hold high-level positions in the administration, except the office of Chief Executive; those who will apply for Chief Executive position will have to be naturalized as Chinese.[https://books.google.com/books?id=PgJTSYeEnNkC&dq=portuguese+macau+high+level+government+positions+-ibp+%22chief+executive%22+foreign+passport&pg=PA309 Hong Kong & Macau] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135334/https://books.google.com/books?id=PgJTSYeEnNkC&lpg=PA309&dq=portuguese%20macau%20high%20level%20government%20positions%20-ibp%20%22chief%20executive%22%20foreign%20passport&pg=PA309#v=onepage&q=portuguese%20macau%20high%20level%20government%20positions%20-ibp%20%22chief%20executive%22%20foreign%20passport&f=true |date=17 January 2023 }}, Andrew Stone, Chung Wah Chow, Reggie Ho, Lonely Planet, 2008, page 309 This was in contrast to Hong Kong, where such positions were restricted to citizens of the SAR.[https://books.google.com/books?id=jDEMAQAAMAAJ&q=macao++ Keesing's Record of World Events] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135336/https://books.google.com/books?id=jDEMAQAAMAAJ&dq=portuguese+macau+high+level+government+positions+-ibp+%22chief+executive%22+foreign+passport&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=macao++ |date=17 January 2023 }}, Volume 37, Longman, 1991
  13. Members of the existing Legislative Assembly, who had been elected in 1996, remained in office until 2001, although those who had been appointed by the Governor were replaced by those appointed by the incoming Chief Executive.[https://books.google.com/books?id=wGA4o-UhAfgC&dq=Legislative+Assembly+of+Macau+elections+1998&pg=PA1179 Europa World Year Book 2004] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135335/https://books.google.com/books?id=wGA4o-UhAfgC&lpg=PA1178&ots=FNqj-kwz1a&dq=Legislative%20Assembly%20of%20Macau%20elections%201998&pg=PA1179#v=onepage&q=Legislative%20Assembly%20of%20Macau%20elections%201998&f=true |date=17 January 2023 }}, Taylor & Francis, 2004, pages 1179–80
  14. Foreign nationals, including Portuguese citizens, are still allowed to stand for directly elected seats in the Legislative Assembly.[http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/portuguese-elected-to-macao-parliament/19022 Portuguese elected to Macao Parliament] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425150241/http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/portuguese-elected-to-macao-parliament/19022 |date=25 April 2016 }}, The Portugal News, 1 October 2005 This is in contrast to Hong Kong, where foreign nationals can only stand for indirectly elected seats in the Legislative Council.[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/lau-in-passport-battle-1289087.html Lau in passport battle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427221230/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/lau-in-passport-battle-1289087.html |date=27 April 2016 }}, The Independent, 16 December 1997
  15. Macau continues to have more political freedoms than mainland China, with the holding of demonstrations and annual memorials to commemorate the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 in Senado Square.[http://macaubusinessdaily.com/briefs/quarter-century-Remembering-Tiananmen/ A quarter of a century: Remembering Tiananmen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409114809/http://macaubusinessdaily.com/briefs/quarter-century-Remembering-Tiananmen/ |date=9 April 2016 }}, Macau Business Daily, 5 June 2015 However, pro-democracy politicians and academics from Hong Kong were refused entry.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7922932.stm HK concern over Macau entry ban], BBC News Online, 4 March 2009
  16. Macau continues to have more freedom of the press than mainland China despite the growing influence of Beijing and Hong Kong journalists being refused entry.[http://www.scmp.com/article/999908/macau-threatens-press-freedom Macau threatens press freedom] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503213915/http://www.scmp.com/article/999908/macau-threatens-press-freedom |date=3 May 2016 }}, South China Morning Post, 3 May 2012
  17. Macau continues to have its own civic groups participating in the political system.[http://www.macaunews.com.mo/content/view/2860/3/lang,english/ Think tank says co-op between govt, civic groups 'important'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410223622/http://www.macaunews.com.mo/content/view/2860/3/lang,english/ |date=10 April 2016 }}. Macau News, 21 July 2014 These are separate from the Communist-led United Front on the mainland.[http://www.cityu.edu.mo/en/ms-huang-ling-member-of-standing-committee-of-xiamen-municipal-committee-and-director-of-the-united-front-work-department-and-entourages-visited-cityu/ Ms. Huang Ling, Member of Standing Committee of Xiamen Municipal Committee and Director of the United Front Work Department, and entourages visited CityU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004105321/http://www.cityu.edu.mo/en/ms-huang-ling-member-of-standing-committee-of-xiamen-municipal-committee-and-director-of-the-united-front-work-department-and-entourages-visited-cityu/ |date=4 October 2018 }}, City University of Macau, 24 November 2015
  18. Macau also continues to have more religious freedoms, with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Macau remaining under the jurisdiction of the Holy See, instead of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association on the mainland.[http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/01/16/pope_appoints_hong_kong_bishop_to_macau_%E2%80%8E/1201599 Pope appoints Hong Kong bishop to Macau] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420112918/http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/01/16/pope_appoints_hong_kong_bishop_to_macau_%E2%80%8E/1201599 |date=20 April 2016 }}, Vatican Radio, 16 January 2016 However, the Falun Gong spiritual practice has faced restrictions.[https://books.google.com/books?id=HO4nIbBGUjEC&dq=Falun+Gong+in+macau&pg=PA101 Religious Freedom in Asia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135336/https://books.google.com/books?id=HO4nIbBGUjEC&lpg=PA101&ots=-sn3mNrdZx&dq=Falun%20Gong%20in%20macau&pg=PA101#v=onepage&q=Falun%20Gong%20in%20macau&f=true |date=17 January 2023 }}, Edward P. Lipton

Nova Publishers, 2002, page 101

  1. Macau continues to drive on the left unlike mainland China, all of which has driven on the right since 1946, or Portugal and most other Portuguese colonies, which switched to the right in 1928.[https://books.google.com/books?id=Lw6JYOYgjokC&dq=hong+kong+drive+on+left&pg=PA177 Strolling in Macau: A Visitor's Guide to Macau, Taipa, and Coloane] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135336/https://books.google.com/books?id=Lw6JYOYgjokC&pg=PA177&dq=hong+kong+drive+on+left&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj0vZDXi-HLAhUB0xoKHernDMAQ6AEIOzAF#v=onepage&q=hong%20kong%20drive%20on%20left&f=true |date=17 January 2023 }}, Steven K. Bailey, ThingsAsian Press, 2007, page 177 Vehicle registration plates continued to follow the old Portuguese format, with white characters on a black plate.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-macau-cars-number-plates-image21973313|title=Macau Cars Number Plates stock image. Image of number - 21973313|website=Dreamstime|access-date=17 July 2020|archive-date=17 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717142543/https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-macau-cars-number-plates-image21973313|url-status=live}} This had been discontinued in Portugal in 1992.[http://www.e-konomista.pt/artigo/circular-com-matriculas-antigas/ Circular com matrículas antigas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412140041/http://www.e-konomista.pt/artigo/circular-com-matriculas-antigas/ |date=12 April 2016 }}, E-Konomista
  2. Macau-registered vehicles can travel to and from mainland China, but require special cross-border plates, similar to those of Guangdong.[http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/2015/02/06/blurring-boundary-macao-hengqin-draw-closer-with-24-hour-border-crossing/ Blurring Boundary – Macao, Hengqin draw closer with 24-hour border crossing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414080032/http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/2015/02/06/blurring-boundary-macao-hengqin-draw-closer-with-24-hour-border-crossing/ |date=14 April 2016 }}, Macauhub, 6 June 2015
  3. Macau retains a separate international dialling code (853) and telephone numbering plan from that of the mainland.[https://www.itu.int/oth/T020200007E/en Macao, China] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064050/http://www.itu.int/oth/T020200007E/en |date=4 March 2016 }}, International Telecommunication Union, 19 February 2013 Calls between Macau and the mainland still require international dialling.[https://books.google.com/books?id=N3pKAQAAIAAJ&q=%2200853%22++ China Law] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135337/https://books.google.com/books?id=N3pKAQAAIAAJ&dq=%2200853%22+macau&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%2200853%22++ |date=17 January 2023 }}, Issues 1–6, 2008, page 50
  4. Macau retains different technical standards from mainland China, such as British-style electrical plugs.[http://www.frommers.com/destinations/china/702082 Fast Facts in China] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409031813/http://www.frommers.com/destinations/china/702082 |date=9 April 2016 }}, Frommer's However, Macau would later adopt the digital TV standard devised in mainland China, instead of DVB-T, replacing PAL-I for TV transmissions.[https://books.google.com/books?id=-KY9AQAAIAAJ&q=DTMB+ World Radio TV Handbook] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135338/https://books.google.com/books?id=-KY9AQAAIAAJ&dq=DTMB+TdM+Macau&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=DTMB+ |date=17 January 2023 }}, WRTH Publications Ltd, 2008, page 642
  5. Macau retains a separate ISO 3166 code, MO.{{Cite web |url=https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:MO |title=ISO Online Browsing Platform: MO |access-date=29 March 2016 |archive-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617031837/https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:MO |url-status=live }} It also retains a top-level domain, .mo.{{Cite web|url=https://www.monic.mo/|title=MONIC.Mo|access-date=29 March 2016|archive-date=17 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135346/https://www.monic.mo/monic/faces/index|url-status=live}} However, the Chinese code CN-92 was also used.{{Cite web |url=https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:CN |title=ISO Online Browsing Platform: CN |access-date=29 March 2016 |archive-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617031837/https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:CN |url-status=live }}
  6. Macau retains its own separate postal services, with Correios de Macau operating separately from China Post.[http://www.macaupost.gov.mo/Contents/AboutUs.aspx?lang=en-US About Us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229230031/http://www.macaupost.gov.mo/Contents/AboutUs.aspx?lang=en-US |date=29 December 2014 }}, Correios de Macau Macau was not made part of the Chinese postcode system, nor did it introduce a postcode system of its own.[https://www.upu.int/UPU/media/upu/PostalEntitiesFiles/addressingUnit/macEn.pdf Macao, China], Universal Postal Union
  7. Portuguese-influenced place names remain unchanged, although their unrelated Chinese equivalents are already in use; for example, Avenida Almeida Ribeiro is known as San Ma Lou or "new road".[https://books.google.com/books?id=temxAAAAQBAJ&dq=street+names+in+macau&pg=PA270 First Globalization: The Eurasian Exchange, 1500–1800] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135338/https://books.google.com/books?id=temxAAAAQBAJ&lpg=PA270&ots=1zRRDVZD_1&dq=street%20names%20in%20macau&pg=PA270#v=onepage&q=street%20names%20in%20macau&f=true |date=17 January 2023 }}, Geoffrey C. Gunn, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2003, page 270
  8. Portuguese monuments remain, although the statue of former Governor João Maria Ferreira do Amaral was taken down in 1992.[http://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/10/28/Controversial-Macao-statue-pulled-down/6055720248400/ Controversial Macao statue pulled down] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411084808/http://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/10/28/Controversial-Macao-statue-pulled-down/6055720248400/ |date=11 April 2016 }}, United Press International, 28 October 1992 The statue is now located at the Bairro da Encarnação, Lisbon, Portugal, where it was placed in December 1999.{{cite web |url=http://www.cm-lisboa.pt/equipamentos/equipamento/info/joao-ferreira-do-amaral |title=João Ferreira do Amaral |author= |date= |website=Sítio da Câmara Municipal de Lisboa |publisher=Lisbon City Hall |access-date=1 October 2017 |quote=A mudança da administração do território macaense implicou a transferência da estátua para Lisboa, que foi inaugurada no Bairro da Encarnação, em Dezembro de 1999. |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816104611/http://www.cm-lisboa.pt/equipamentos/equipamento/info/joao-ferreira-do-amaral |url-status=live }}
  9. The floor on the ground level continues to be officially referred to by the Portuguese abbreviation R/C (rés-do-chão).[http://www.consumer.gov.mo/commodity/Gas.aspx?lang=en Household LPG – Macao Consumer Council] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406003329/http://www.consumer.gov.mo/commodity/Gas.aspx?lang=en |date=6 April 2016 }},
  10. Macau retained its own flag carrier airline Air Macau.
# The Chief Executive of Macau became the head of government, elected by a selection committee with 300 members, who mainly are elected from among professional sectors and business leaders in Macau.[http://bo.io.gov.mo/bo/i/1999/leibasica/index_uk.asp#c4s1 Role of the Chief Executive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205042947/http://bo.io.gov.mo/bo/i/1999/leibasica/index_uk.asp#c4s1 |date=5 February 2012 }} Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region The Governor was appointed by Portugal.[https://books.google.com/books?id=Ai-wCwAAQBAJ&dq=vasco+joaquim+rocha+vieira+appointed++governor&pg=PA687 Political Handbook of the World 1997] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135345/https://books.google.com/books?id=Ai-wCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA687&lpg=PA687&dq=vasco+joaquim+rocha+vieira+appointed++governor&source=bl&ots=9AxJTNH8VY&sig=qIuxzi-O6SHk7I6D48__Ebwf7DQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwikj5OB1OPLAhVEWBQKHRHUD68Q6AEILDAD#v=onepage&q&f=true |date=17 January 2023 }}, Arthur S. Banks, Alan J. Day, Thomas C. Muller, Springer, 1997, page 687
  • The former Governor's Palace is now known as the Government Headquarters.[http://www.gcs.gov.mo/showNews.php?DataUcn=93366&PageLang=E Government Headquarters to open to the public during the weekend] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419011501/http://www.gcs.gov.mo/showNews.php?DataUcn=93366&PageLang=E |date=19 April 2016 }}, Government Information Bureau, 15 October 2015
  • The Court of Final Appeal became the highest court of appeal in Macau.[https://books.google.com/books?id=eS6q7MW9GwIC&dq=%22court+of+final+appeal%22+%22macau%22+-ibp&pg=PA23 Commercial and Economic Law in Macau]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Jianhong Fan, Alexandre Dias Pereira, Kluwer Law International, page 23 This replaced the Superior Court of Justice, established in April 1993.[https://books.google.com/books?id=ub-5AAAAIAAJ&q=%22Superior+Court+of+Justice%22 Trade Policy Review: Macau] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135958/https://books.google.com/books?id=ub-5AAAAIAAJ&dq=%22court+of+final+appeal%22+%22macau%22+-ibp+%22Superior+Court+of+Justice%22&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%22Superior+Court+of+Justice%22 |date=17 January 2023 }}, General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, 1994, page 15 Appeals to the Court of Appeal of the Judiciary District of Lisbon ceased in 1999.[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2014-12/10/content_19060715.htm Macao's judicial system being improved: court chief] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409010422/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2014-12/10/content_19060715.htm |date=9 April 2016 }}, China Daily, 10 December 2014
  • All public offices now fly the flags of the PRC and the Macau SAR.{{Cite web|url=https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-china-macau-government-headquarters-21191721.html|title=Stock Photo - China Macau Government Headquarters|website=Alamy|access-date=17 July 2020|archive-date=17 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717142541/https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-china-macau-government-headquarters-21191721.html|url-status=live}} The Flag of Portugal now flies only outside the Portuguese Consulate-General and other Portuguese premises.{{Cite web|url=https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-the-portuguese-consulate-building-in-macau-china-78526058.html|title=Stock Photo - The Portuguese consulate building in Macau, China|website=Alamy|access-date=17 July 2020|archive-date=17 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717142544/https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-the-portuguese-consulate-building-in-macau-china-78526058.html|url-status=live}}
  • The People's Liberation Army established a garrison in Macau, the first military presence there since the Portuguese military garrison had been withdrawn following the Carnation Revolution in 1974.[https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/23/world/portugal-s-last-days-in-macao-marred-by-chinese-troop-issue.html Portugal's Last Days in Macao Marred by Chinese Troop Issue] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118082609/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/23/world/portugal-s-last-days-in-macao-marred-by-chinese-troop-issue.html |date=18 January 2017 }}, The New York Times, 23 March 1999
  • The Central People's Government is now formally represented in Macau by a Liaison Office.[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/insight/archives/2000/01/21/0000020843 Renamed Xinhua becomes a new force in Hong Kong's politics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145347/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/insight/archives/2000/01/21/0000020843 |date=19 August 2017 }}, Taipei Times, 21 January 2000 This has been established in 1987 as a branch of Xinhua News Agency, when Macau was under Portuguese administration.[https://books.google.com/books?id=1JsUAQAAMAAJ&q=%22nam+kwong%22++ Asia Yearbook] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135958/https://books.google.com/books?id=1JsUAQAAMAAJ&dq=%22nam+kwong%22+macau+xinhua&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%22nam+kwong%22++ |date=17 January 2023 }}, Far Eastern Economic Review, 1988 Before 1987, it was informally represented by the Nanguang trading company.[http://repositorio.ul.pt/bitstream/10451/3540/1/ulsd_pm_isbn9729679169_MFernandes.pdf Portuguese behavior towards the political transition and the regional integration of Macau in the Pearl River Region] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105905/http://repositorio.ul.pt/bitstream/10451/3540/1/ulsd_pm_isbn9729679169_MFernandes.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}, Moisés Silva Fernandes, in Macau and Its Neighbours in Transition, Rufino Ramos, José Rocha Dinis, D.Y.Yuan, Rex Wilson, University of Macau, Macau Foundation, 1997, page 48
  • The Macau SAR Government is now formally represented in Beijing by the Office of the Government of the Macau Special Administrative Region.[http://english.people.com.cn/english/200007/26/eng20000726_46505.html Macao SAR Government to Set up Office in Beijing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041225210412/http://english.people.com.cn/english/200007/26/eng20000726_46505.html |date=25 December 2004 }}, 26 July 2000
  • Elsewhere, the Macau SAR Government is now represented by Macau Economic and Trade Offices in Lisbon (Portugal), Brussels (European Union), Geneva (World Trade Organization) and Taipei (Taiwan).[https://www.economia.gov.mo/en/web/public/pg_eetr_tr?_refresh=true Trade Representative Offices] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416174613/https://www.economia.gov.mo/en/web/public/pg_eetr_tr?_refresh=true |date=16 April 2016 }}, Macao Economic Services
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China is represented in Macau by a Commissioner.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fmcoprc.gov.mo/eng/|title=Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao Special Administrative Region|website=fmcoprc.gov.mo|access-date=28 March 2016|archive-date=4 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104120513/http://www.fmcoprc.gov.mo/eng/|url-status=live}}
  • The Municipalities of Macau and the Ilhas, which had been retained provisionally following the handover, were abolished and replaced by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau with effect from 1 January 2002.{{Cite web|url=https://m.cityguide.gov.mo/e/sightseeing/Detail/architecture?id=fc18e3c0-69e6-4e08-a8cc-e1f533ba38e2|title=Typical Architectures|website=m.cityguide.gov.mo|access-date=17 July 2020|archive-date=17 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717142547/https://m.cityguide.gov.mo/e/sightseeing/Detail/architecture?id=fc18e3c0-69e6-4e08-a8cc-e1f533ba38e2|url-status=live}}
  • Portugal was now represented in Macau by the Portuguese Consulate-General, also accredited to Hong Kong.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cgportugal.org/|title=Consulado Geral de Portugal em Macau e Hong Kong|website=cgportugal.org|access-date=27 March 2016|archive-date=9 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409192933/https://www.cgportugal.org/|url-status=live}} This had responsibility for matters relating to Portuguese nationals. However, residents of Macau born after 3 October 1981 were no longer entitled to Portuguese nationality.[https://books.google.com/books?id=TF8NAQAAMAAJ&q=portuguese+nationality+macau+November+1981 Official Journal of the European Communities: Information and notices] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135958/https://books.google.com/books?id=TF8NAQAAMAAJ&q=portuguese+nationality+macau+November+1981&dq=portuguese+nationality+macau+November+1981&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjp9ra38d_LAhVMbRQKHZBDBGUQ6AEIHTAA |date=17 January 2023 }}, Volume 33, Issues 134–148, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 1990, page 140{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-07-21-mn-4240-story.html | title=Portugal Offers Citizenship to Many in Last Colonial Outpost : Macao, a 'Poor Relation,' Draws Envy of Hong Kong | date=21 July 1989 | first=Charles P. | last=Wallace | newspaper=Los Angeles Times | access-date=3 October 2018 | archive-date=15 January 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115080113/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-07-21/news/mn-4240_1_hong-kong | url-status=live }}
  • The Taipei Trade and Tourism Office, the de facto mission of Taiwan, was renamed the Taipei Trade and Cultural Office, and was allowed to issue visas in 2002.[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/2002/01/07/0000118919 Macao allows Taipei office to issue visas to Chinese] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203143153/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/2002/01/07/0000118919 |date=3 February 2016 }}, Taipei Times, 7 January 2002 It was later renamed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macau in 2011.[http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xitem=172072&CtNode=414 MAC minister launches renamed Taiwan office in Macau] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316181542/http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xitem=172072&CtNode=414 |date=16 March 2016 }},Taiwan Today, 20 July 2011
  • The words "República Portuguesa" no longer appear on postage stamps, which now display the words "Macau, China".[http://www.revistamacau.com/2015/04/13/filatelia-macau-selo-a-selo/ Filatelia | Macau, selo a selo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419032417/http://www.revistamacau.com/2015/04/13/filatelia-macau-selo-a-selo/ |date=19 April 2016 }}, Revista Macau, 13 April 2015 The Portuguese coat of arms had already been removed from Macanese pataca banknotes and coins issued since 1988.[http://macaomagazine.net/sites/default/files/MM13.pdf Macao Magazine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403155126/http://macaomagazine.net/sites/default/files/MM13.pdf |date=3 April 2016 }}, November 2012, page 31
  • The Macau Police badge now displays the Macau SAR emblem.[http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/por/psp_org_2.html Sobre o CPSP História] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110702173917/http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/por/psp_org_2.html |date=2 July 2011 }}, Corpo de Polícia de Segurança Pública (CPSP) da Região Administrativa Especial de Macau
  • The Portuguese honours system was replaced by a local system, with the Grand Medal of Lotus Flower as the highest award.[http://www.gcs.gov.mo/showNews.php?DataUcn=84081&PageLang=E Decorations, Medals and Certificates of Merit List for 2014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415211247/http://www.gcs.gov.mo/showNews.php?DataUcn=84081&PageLang=E |date=15 April 2016 }}, Government Information Bureau, 11 November 2014
  • Public holidays changed, with Macau SAR Establishment Day being introduced and Portuguese-inspired occasions, such as Republic Day and Freedom Day, being abolished.[https://books.google.com/books?id=CmOUWTetnQ4C&q=%22Portuguese+National+Day%22+ The Europa Year Book] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135958/https://books.google.com/books?id=CmOUWTetnQ4C&dq=macau+%22national+day%22+1981&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%22Portuguese+National+Day%22+ |date=17 January 2023 }}, Volume 2, Taylor & Francis, 1991, page 2219 PRC National Day had been made a public holiday in 1981.[https://books.google.com/books?id=xlwwAQAAIAAJ&q=%22national+day%22+ China Perspectives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117135959/https://books.google.com/books?id=xlwwAQAAIAAJ&dq=%22republic+of+china%22+%22national+day%22+hong+kong+%22public+holiday%22&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%22national+day%22+ |date=17 January 2023 }}, Issues 33–38, C.E.F.C., 2001, page 58
  • Macau's aircraft registration prefix changed from Portugal's CS to B, as used by mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.[https://books.google.com/books?id=cTVKAQAAIAAJ&q=Macao+ Jane's All the World's Aircraft] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117140000/https://books.google.com/books?id=cTVKAQAAIAAJ&dq=ICAO+Aircraft+Registration+Prefixes+macau+-ibp&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=Macao+ |date=17 January 2023 }}, pages 48–49[https://books.google.com/books?id=3IhPAAAAMAAJ&q=%22CS%22 Airlines of Asia: Since 1920] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117140000/https://books.google.com/books?id=3IhPAAAAMAAJ&dq=air+macau+%22CS%22&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%22CS%22 |date=17 January 2023 }}, Putnam, 1997, page 277
  • The Portuguese national anthem A Portuguesa, is no longer played after closedown on television stations. The Chinese national anthem, March of the Volunteers, is now played instead.
  • A giant golden statue of a lotus, erected in a public space outside the Macau Forum named Lotus Square, was presented by the State Council of the People's Republic of China to commemorate the return of Macau to Chinese sovereignty.[http://en.macautourism.gov.mo/sightseeing/sightseeing_detail.php?c=8&id=96#.Vv1DB_krLhk Lotus Square], Macao Government Tourism Office
  • The University of Macau was relocated to a new campus on Hengqin Island in 2009.[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hkedition/2013-08/23/content_16914903.htm Achieving the unthinkable: University of Macau in Hengqin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730152736/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hkedition/2013-08/23/content_16914903.htm |date=30 July 2015 }}, China Daily, August 2013 This was under the jurisdiction of the Macau SAR government, which had leased a plot of land for M$1.2 billion until 2049.[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/15/world/asia/University-of-Macau-Moves-Over-the-China-Border.html?_r=0 University of Macau Moves Over the China Border] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118035818/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/15/world/asia/University-of-Macau-Moves-Over-the-China-Border.html?_r=0 |date=18 January 2017 }}, The New York Times, 14 July 2013

    • See also

    References

    {{Reflist}}

    Further reading

    • {{Cite book |last=San |first=Pauline Lai Pou |url=https://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/n2144/pdf/book.pdf |title=Sharpening the Sword of State |date=2016 |publisher=ANU Press |isbn=978-1-76046-072-3 |editor-last=Podger |editor-first=Andrew |editor-link=Andrew Podger |series=ANZSOG series |publication-place=Canberra |chapter=Civil service training in the Macau Government |doi=10.22459/sss.11.2016 |doi-access=free |oclc=967107809 |editor-last2=Wanna |editor-first2=John |editor-link2=John Wanna |chapter-url=https://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/n2144/pdf/ch07.pdf}} [http://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/n2144/html/ch07.xhtml?referer=2144&page=13 HTML version of the chapter].
    • {{Cite journal |last=Chan |first=Ming K. |date=August 2003 |title=Different Roads to Home: The retrocession of Hong Kong and Macau to Chinese sovereignty |url=https://olemiss.edu/courses/pol324/chan03.pdf |journal=Journal of Contemporary China |language=en |volume=12 |issue=36 |pages=493–518 |doi=10.1080/10670560305473 |issn=1067-0564 |s2cid=925886}}
    • {{Cite book |last=Fernandes |first=Moisés Silva |url=https://repositorio.ul.pt/bitstream/10451/3540/1/ulsd_pm_isbn9729679169_MFernandes.pdf |title=Macau and its neighbors in transition: proceedings of the international conference held at the University of Macau, 18-19 March 1996 |publisher=Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Macau |year=1997 |isbn=978-972-96791-6-2 |editor-last=Ramos |editor-first=Rufino |location=Macao |oclc=56733404 |editor-last2=Dinis |editor-first2=José Rocha |editor-last3=Wilson |editor-first3=Rex |editor-last4=Yuan |editor-first4=D. Y.}}

    External links

    • {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/19991103204709/http://www.macau99.org.mo/}}
    • [http://www.zgb81.com/zabd.htm The Chinese garrison in Macau] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230445/http://www.zgb81.com/zabd.htm |date=20 December 2018 }} {{in lang|zh}}

    {{Macau topics}}

    {{Macauafter1999}}

    {{Authority control}}

    {{DEFAULTSORT:Transfer Of Sovereignty Over Macau}}

    Category:1999 in Macau

    Category:History of Macau

    Category:Portuguese Macau

    Category:1999 in China

    Category:1999 in Portugal

    Category:States and territories disestablished in 1999

    Category:Separatism in Portugal

    Category:China–Portugal relations

    Category:Macau–Portugal relations

    Category:Sovereignty

    Category:December 1999 in China

    Category:Decolonization