Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration

Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration. The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration is a pivotal bilateral treaty that established the framework for the return of Macau from Portugal to the People's Republic of China. Signed on 26 March 1987 in Beijing by Premier Zhao Ziyang and Prime Minister Mário Soares, the agreement set the date for the transfer of sovereignty as 20 December 1999. It enshrined the principle of "One country, two systems" for Macau, ensuring its social and economic systems would remain unchanged for 50 years after the handover.

Background and Negotiations

The origins of the declaration trace back to the longer history of Portuguese Macau, which began with the establishment of a trading post in the 16th century following early encounters like the Battle of Tunmen. Portugal's administration was later formalized through the Sino-Portuguese Treaty of Peking in 1887. The impetus for negotiations emerged after the success of the Sino-British Joint Declaration regarding Hong Kong in 1984, which created a template for resolving similar colonial issues. Following the Carnation Revolution in Lisbon, the new Portuguese government sought to decolonize its territories, and diplomatic talks with Deng Xiaoping's China commenced in the mid-1980s. Key negotiators included Zhou Nan for China and Rui Medina for Portugal, with discussions held in both Beijing and Lisbon focusing on the timing and conditions of the handover.

Key Provisions and Principles

The core of the document affirmed that the Government of the People's Republic of China would resume the exercise of sovereignty over Macau on 20 December 1999. It guaranteed that Macau would become a Special Administrative Region of China, enjoying a high degree of autonomy under the "One country, two systems" model pioneered by Deng Xiaoping. Specific provisions protected the existing capitalist system and way of life, ensuring that the local currency, legal system, and rights such as freedom of speech would be preserved. The agreement also stipulated that the Central People's Government would be responsible for foreign affairs and defence, while the Macau Legislative Assembly would be granted legislative power. The Joint Liaison Group was established to oversee the transition.

Implementation and Transfer of Sovereignty

Following the exchange of instruments of ratification on 15 January 1988, the Joint Liaison Group began its work in Macau to manage the detailed transition process. This included localizing laws, determining the status of civil servants, and planning the ceremony. The Basic Law of Macau, promulgated by the National People's Congress in 1993, codified the declaration's principles into a constitutional document. The final handover ceremony took place at the Macau Cultural Centre on the night of 19-20 December 1999, attended by President Jiang Zemin of China and President Jorge Sampaio of Portugal. Sovereignty was officially transferred at midnight, and Edmund Ho Hau-wah was sworn in as the first Chief Executive of Macau under the authority of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

Significance and Legacy

The declaration marked the final chapter in the dissolution of European colonialism in Asia, ending over 400 years of Portuguese administration. It is widely regarded as a successful application of the "One country, two systems" policy, preceding the handover of Hong Kong by over two years. The smooth transition bolstered China's diplomatic standing and was seen as a model for the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes. The continued stability and economic growth of the Macau Special Administrative Region, particularly in sectors like gaming and tourism, are cited as evidence of the framework's durability. The agreement also strengthened bilateral relations between China and Portugal, fostering ongoing cooperation in areas like trade with Lusophone nations.

Category:1987 in China Category:1987 in Portugal Category:Treaties of the People's Republic of China Category:Treaties of Portugal Category:History of Macau