Macau
In: The round table: the Commonwealth journal of international affairs, Heft 302, S. 199-206
ISSN: 0035-8533
Beijing would like to resume sovereignty over Macau in a manner to dovetail into the Hong Kong 1997 takeover exercise. As Portugal offered to give up Macau in 1974, after the Portuguese revolution, and agreed in 1976 to stay on only at the request of the Chinese authorities, no difficulties should now arise over the transfer of sovereignty. As sovereignty is not an issue, it follows that these talks are only about ways and means. Macau's antiquated colonial administration and long history give rise to unique and complex problems, which make it unlikely that Hong Kong type solutions will readily apply. Its political survival after 1997 will depend largely on its internal stability and its contribution to China's economy. This depends on the continuing success of its staple industry - tourism. (Internat. Pol. Science Assoc.)