President Xi Jinping says China won't allow foreign interference with its special regions of Hong Kong and Macau, after swearing in a new pro-Beijing government for gambling hub Macau.
Marking the 20th anniversary of Macau's handover to Chinese rule on Friday, Xi heaped praise on the former Portuguese colony for its patriotism and loyalty.
However he avoided referring directly to six months of anti-government protests in the nearby former British colony of Hong Kong.
Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Chief Executive of Macau Ho Iat Seng during the 20th anniversary of Macau's return to China. Source: AAP
"I must emphasise, since Hong Kong and Macau's return to the motherland, dealing with these two special administrative regions' affairs is entirely China's internal affairs and none of the business of foreign forces," Xi said.
"We do not let any external forces interfere."
Macau returned to Chinese rule on December 20, 1999, with the same "one country, two systems" formula aimed at ensuring a high degree of autonomy under which Hong Kong is governed.
While protesters in Hong Kong, across the mouth of the Pearl River, are furious about what they see as Beijing's erosion of their freedoms, Macau has seen little dissent.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the 20th anniversary of Macau's return to China Ceremony with Chief Executive of Macau Ho Iat Seng. Source: AAP
Beijing denies undermining Hong Kong's autonomy and has repeatedly blamed foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, for stirring up trouble there.
Wearing black suit and maroon tie, Xi swore in new Macau chief executive Ho Iat- seng and his administration, which will run the enclave of several islands for the next five years.
Ho was selected by a pro-Beijing committee in a similar process to the way Hong Kong's leader is chosen.
Xi encouraged diversification of Macau's casino-dependent economy, urging it to grasp opportunities brought by a regional investment zone known as the Greater Bay Area.
He also stressed further integration with the mainland, although he did not announce specific steps.
Officials and corporate executives have been expecting Beijing to reward Macau for its loyalty - in contrast to the defiance in Hong Kong - with measures including a new yuan-denominated stock exchange.
Xi said Macau's patriotism was "the most important reason" for the success of its "one country, two systems formula of governance".
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