China released a map on Sunday of administrative divisions demarcating the maritime and land zones of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).
On Sunday, Premier Li Keqiang signed a decree to release the map, whose draft was endorsed by an executive meeting of the State Council, China's cabinet, on Dec. 16. The new map will go into effect on Dec. 20, while the old one, which was issued in 1999, will be abolished.
The new map adjusts Macao's land demarcation and clarifies maritime zones. According to the new map, an 85-square-kilometer sea area to the east and south of Macao shall be administered by Macao SAR. A stretch of land for a border inspection building between Macao SAR and Zhuhai City in Guangdong Province has also been demarcated under the administration of Macao SAR.
Previously, there was no clear demarcation of sea zones between Macao SAR and Guangdong province. Sometimes overlapping jurisdiction causes problems in fighting crime at sea and navigation safety. The adjustments in maritime and land resources by the central government have demonstrated the unique superiority of the principles of "one country, two systems" as well as the country's support for Macao, observers said.
President Xi Jinping attended celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland on Dec. 19, 2014. During the visit, he promised to clarify the water areas governed by Macao while meeting with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the SAR.
Soon afterwards the central government, along with Guangdong provincial government, the government of Zhuhai City and the Macao SAR government, worked out a specific plan after collecting opinions and making field studies.
The demarcation will strengthen the SAR government's efficient governance by law. On Dec. 16, Chief Executive Chui Sai On thanked the central government and neighboring Guangdong Province for the coordination work they had done, noting that the demarcation is of great significance for Macao to diversify local economy.
Geographic space is vital for Macao in its process of transforming into a world tourism and leisure center, and a service platform between the Chinese mainland and Portuguese-speaking countries, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macao SAR said in a statement a few days ago.
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