cover of episode Macao’s Return to China

Macao’s Return to China

2024/12/17
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The Bridge to China
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Warwick Powell
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Warwick Powell: 我在澳门度过了童年，亲眼见证了澳门在回归中国后的巨大变化，特别是基础设施建设和经济发展。澳门回归后，城市面貌发生了翻天覆地的变化，但仍然保留着一些独特的本土特色，例如独特的葡式文化和中西合璧的城市特色。我童年在澳门的难忘经历包括观看澳门格兰披治大赛以及轻松自在的生活。澳门回归中国时，民众普遍欢欣鼓舞，即使在我童年时期，澳门也深受中国文化的影响。澳门居民与珠三角地区联系紧密，这为澳门顺利回归中国奠定了基础。澳门的特殊地位和经济安排使其经济日益多元化，并通过融入粤港澳大湾区进一步发展。十年后我重返澳门，发现城市面貌变化很大，但一些旧地标和特色美食依然存在。澳门的街头小吃文化在现代化进程中有所衰退。许多澳门居民选择在珠海居住，每天往返澳门工作，这反映了珠海的房地产市场和生活环境的吸引力。澳门的饮食文化融合了葡式和粤菜的特点，并因其旅游业而得到进一步发展。澳大利亚的赌博合法，一些澳大利亚人会前往澳门赌博，其动机并非单纯的赢利，更多的是寻求刺激。 Jason Smith: 作为节目的主持人，我主要负责引导话题，并就澳门回归、经济发展、以及中美关系等问题向Warwick Powell教授提问。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did the Portuguese want to hand Macau back to China and why did China initially decline?

The Portuguese made overtures to hand Macau back to China well before 1999, but China declined, feeling unprepared to incorporate it into their sovereign system. The Portuguese administration in Macau was very hands-off, and the territory had strong cultural ties with the mainland, making the eventual handover smoother.

Why did Macau not experience the same level of unrest as Hong Kong during the 2019 protests?

Macau did not experience the same unrest because the turbulence in Hong Kong was largely driven by external interests and networks that were not present in Macau. The lack of colonial legacy and strong ties to the mainland also contributed to the stability in Macau.

How has Macau's special status under the 'one country, two systems' arrangement benefited China?

Macau's special status has allowed it to diversify its economy beyond gambling, focusing on tourism, education, and green finance. It has also become a bridgehead for international capital and a key part of the Greater Bay Area, enhancing China's economic integration with the global market.

Why did many Macau residents choose to live in Zhuhai on the mainland?

Many Macau residents live in Zhuhai because it offers more affordable and spacious housing options. Despite commuting daily to Macau for work, the quality of life and lower cost of living in Zhuhai make it an attractive choice.

What are the prospects for China's economy in 2025, particularly in the year of the snake?

The prospects for China's economy in 2025 are good, driven by ongoing structural transitions from property dependence to high-tech manufacturing, rising household incomes in lower-tier cities, and the energy transition towards renewables. The property sector is expected to stabilize and contribute positively again, while China continues to urbanize and expand its economic development.

Chapters
This chapter explores Dr. Warwick Powell's personal experiences growing up in Macau during the 1970s, offering insights into the city's unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures. It also discusses Macau's transition back to Chinese rule in 1999, highlighting the surprisingly smooth handover process and the celebratory mood among the residents.
  • Dr. Powell's childhood in Macau during the 1970s
  • The unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures in Macau
  • The smooth transition of Macau back to Chinese rule in 1999
  • The celebratory mood among the residents during the handover

Shownotes Transcript

We discuss the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. Dr Warwick Powell describes his boyhood in the former Portuguese colony, its modernization process, and economic development after its return to China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy) for more information.