Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office Photo:VCG

Since Macao's return to the motherland, its remarkable achievements have demonstrated to the world that "one country, two systems" possesses significant institutional advantages and robust vitality, said Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday. He noted that efforts will continue to unite the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots and actively explore a Two Systems solution to the Taiwan question, enriching the practice of peaceful reunification.

Chen made the remarks in response to inquiry that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. Since its return, principles of "one country, two systems," "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy have been fully guaranteed and demonstrated. Many insightful individuals from both sides of the Taiwan Straits, as well as from Hong Kong and Macao, have expressed that the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong and Macao has achieved internationally recognized accomplishment, proving that "one country, two systems" has strong vitality and serving as a good example for Taiwan island. What's his comment on this?

"One country, two systems" has been proved to be a good system for maintaining long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, a good system for serving the construction of a strong nation and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and a good system for achieving peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation under different social systems, said Chen. 

In the past 25 years, Macao's key economic indicators have made significant strides, ranking among the top in the world, and the well-being of its people has greatly improved. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased sevenfold, making it one of the wealthiest cities in Asia. The visitor trips to Macao have grown from 7 million in 1999 to 32.54 million. The per capita GDP exceeds 559,000 patacas ($69,822), and the average life expectancy of residents is 83.1 years, both rank among the highest in the world, Chen said.

These fully demonstrate that "one country, two systems" is entirely feasible, practical, and supported by the people, affirming that the motherland is reliable, and there are great benefits  because of the return, said Chen.

We will continue to unite the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots and actively explore a Two Systems solution to the Taiwan question, enriching the practice of peaceful reunification. The specific form of "one country, two systems" for Taiwan will fully take into account the realities of Taiwan, fully incorporate the opinions and suggestions of all sectors on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, and fully consider the interests and feelings of people in Taiwan, said Chen. 

Chen expressed confidence that "one country, two systems" will gain renewed recognition among the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots. In the process of both sides of the Taiwan Straits working together toward peaceful reunification, the scope and connotation of the "two systems" plan for Taiwan will be fully demonstrated, he noted.

Global Times