Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday.

He will also inspect the Macao SAR.

In a brief speech delivered at the airport, Xi said that over the past 25 years, the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved success widely recognized by the world, showcasing great vitality and unique charm.

Describing Macao as "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland, he expressed confidence in the promising future of Macao. "This is the glory of Macao residents and the pride of all Chinese people," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan step out of the plane and greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a brief speech at the airport in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)