The "one country, two systems" principle has proved to be feasible, achievable and popular in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) since Macao returned to the motherland in 1999, said Fu Ziying, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR.

Fu told Xinhua in a recent interview that the Macao SAR government, along with all walks of life, has comprehensively and precisely understood and implemented the "one country, two systems" principle and strictly abided by China's Constitution and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR since Macao's return to the motherland.

The Macao SAR government has ensured the steady and practical implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle by devoting to developing economy, improving people's wellbeing, upholding inclusiveness and mutual support and promoting the unity of the compatriots in Macao under the banner of loving both the motherland and the region, thus opening a new horizon in practicing the "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics.

Fu eulogized Macao's success in implementing the "one country, two systems" principle in three aspects.

Firstly, for the past 20 years, the authority of China's Constitution and the Basic Law has been firmly safeguarded in Macao and the executive-led system has been running smoothly.

The Macao SAR government and all walks of life have always firmly safeguarded the authority of China's Constitution and the Basic Law by holistically combining upholding the principle of "one country" with respecting the differences of the "two systems," and maintaining the power of the central government with ensuring the high degree of autonomy of the Macao SAR, ushering in a new era of good political situation in Macao.

The national sovereignty, security and interests are well safeguarded and the capability and level of law-based governance has been significantly promoted in Macao, Fu said.

Secondly, Macao has witnessed rapid economic development and continued improvement of people's livelihood, with people feeling more satisfied and happier, Fu said.

Macao, by making good use of the advantages of the "one country, two systems" principle, has achieved a leaping development in economy, Fu said.

Over the past 20 years, Macao has witnessed the fastest development in its history, with outstanding performance in various macroeconomic sectors, Fu said.

With the full efforts from the SAR government in building long-term efficient mechanisms in social security, housing, education, health, human resources and disaster prevention and reduction, the social welfare and people's livelihood have been greatly improved since Macao's return to the motherland, said Fu,

Thirdly, Macao's success could be seen in its harmony and inclusiveness in society, where both loving the motherland and the region has become the mainstream value, according to Fu.

He said education on the country's Constitution and the Basic Law is deep-rooted in the society, as the "one country, two systems," "Macao people governing Macao" and the high degree of autonomy are well-accepted by residents in Macao.

Fu said Macao has attached great importance to cultivating patriotism among the youth, with patriotic education legalized in Macao in 2006.

The development of the socialism with Chinese characteristics had entered a new era, so is the cause of the "one country, two systems," said Fu.

Under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the practice of "one country, two systems" is included in the Chinese Dream.

In the future, Macao should further exploit the advantages of "one country, two systems" principle, seize the opportunities brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

"We will always comprehensively and precisely understand and implement the principle of 'one country, two systems'," said Fu.

Fu called on Macao to participate in the country's reform and opening-up cause more actively so as to help boost the country's people-to-people exchanges with other countries.

He highlighted the importance of the construction of the Greater Bay Area, hoping that Macao would, by participating in the development, further expand its industries and promote people's livelihood so as to maintain the economic and social stability.

"Remain true to the original aspiration of the principle of 'one country, two systems,' Macao, the land of lotus, will for ever glisten," Fu added.

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