africa.chinadaily.com.cn
Macao's "One Country, Two Systems" Success: Legal Reforms and National Security
Macao's 25 years under "one country, two systems" have seen over 400 laws enacted, including national security legislation and electoral reforms, leading to increased national security education participation (from 18,000 to 61,000) and a shift towards a locally-dominated judiciary reflecting a balance of national sovereignty and local autonomy.
- What are the key challenges and opportunities for maintaining the balance between national security and Macao's unique identity in the future?
- Looking ahead, maintaining this balance will be crucial. The continued success hinges on adapting the legal framework to emerging challenges while preserving Macao's distinct legal identity and fostering a shared sense of national identity among its citizens. Further development of national security education could solidify this shared understanding.
- What specific legislative actions demonstrate Macao's commitment to the "one country, two systems" principle and its impact on long-term stability?
- Macao's implementation of "one country, two systems" over the past 25 years has involved enacting over 400 laws, including national security legislation, and revising laws on leadership elections to ensure "patriots governing Macao". This has fostered a positive social atmosphere where national security is prioritized, resulting in increased participation in national security education initiatives, rising from 18,000 participants in 2018 to 61,000 in 2024.
- How has the evolution of Macao's judicial system, particularly the composition of its judiciary, reflected the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle?
- The emphasis on national security in Macao's legal framework reflects a shift from foreign judicial jurisdiction to genuine judicial independence, with local judges now comprising 50 of the 52 judges. This change, coupled with the requirement of bilingualism in Chinese and Portuguese for judges, directly embodies the "one country, two systems" principle, balancing national sovereignty with Macao's unique legal heritage.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative heavily emphasizes the successes and positive aspects of Macao's implementation of "one country, two systems." Headlines and the introductory paragraphs frame the story around the positive outcomes, potentially overshadowing any potential drawbacks or challenges. The sequencing of information also prioritizes positive developments.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory. Terms like "long-term prosperity and stability" and "positive social atmosphere" are used frequently. While not overtly biased, these choices could subtly shape the reader's perception. More neutral language could provide a more balanced perspective.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the positive aspects of Macao's implementation of "one country, two systems", potentially omitting critical perspectives or challenges. It doesn't address potential concerns regarding limitations on freedoms or dissent. The article highlights the smooth passage of national security laws, but doesn't explore counterarguments or dissenting opinions. This omission could limit the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the relationship between national security and prosperity, implying a direct correlation without acknowledging potential complexities or trade-offs. The framing suggests that prioritizing national security is the only path to stability, neglecting alternative perspectives on balancing security and other values.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights Macao