Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Macau on Wednesday to oversee the swearing-in ceremony of Sam Hou-fai as the enclave's new leader, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to Chinese rule.

Sam, a former judge and the first Macau leader born on mainland China, aligns with Beijing's vision for the region's future. He has expressed commitment to diversifying Macau's economy beyond its heavy reliance on gaming revenues, echoing Xi's long-standing policy objectives.

This marks Xi's third visit to Macau since assuming power in 2013, following previous appearances in 2014 and 2019. The visit comes as Macau's gaming industry has undergone significant transformation, shifting from VIP-focused operations to mass-market gaming following Beijing's crackdown on junket operators and implementation of stricter capital controls.

Sam's appointment signals continued alignment with mainland China's objectives, particularly supporting Xi's Greater Bay Area project, which aims to integrate Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong cities into an economic hub. The new leader has identified pressing challenges in Macau's political and economic development, emphasizing the need for reform and innovation.

The leadership transition occurs as Ho Iat Seng, the current leader, steps down citing health reasons. Under Beijing's guidance, Macau continues to evolve from its traditional casino-centric model toward a more diversified economy, though gaming remains its primary revenue source.

Related Articles

Previous Articles