Xi to visit Macau for 25th handover anniversary, Sam Hou-fai inauguration

President Xi Jinping will visit Macau next week to attend celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the SAR’s return to the motherland, as well as the inauguration of Macau’s incoming administration, state news agency Xinhua reported on Saturday.

Xi will be in Macau from December 18 to 20.

The report said Xi would inaugurate on December 20 Macau’s new administration led by Sam Ho-fai, while the Chinese leader would also inspect the city during his three-day trip.

The SAR in October elected former top judge Sam, 62, as its sixth chief executive with 394 votes from the 400-strong Election Committee. Sam was the only candidate.

Xi will also inaugurate 10 top officials picked by Sam on the same day, including Secretary for Administration and Justice Cheong Weng-chon and Secretary for Security Wong Sio-chak from the previous administration.

Xi’s last visit to Macau was to inaugurate outgoing leader Ho Iat-shing and his cabinet five years ago.

In a statement, Sam offered his warm welcome and expressed his gratitude to Xi.

He said the president’s visit shows the central government’s support and care towards the SAR.