China yesterday released a map of administrative divisions demarcating the maritime and land zones of the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Graphics shows the map of China's Macao Special Administrative Region. [Photo: Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang signed a decree on Sunday to release the map, whose draft was endorsed by an executive meeting of the State Council on Wednesday.

The new map went into effect yesterday, while the old one, which was issued in 1999, has been discontinued.

The new map adjusts Macau's land demarcation and clarifies maritime zones.

According to the new map, an 85-square-kilometer sea area to the east and south of Macau will be administered by the region.

A stretch of land to be used for a border inspection building between Macau and the city of Zhuhai in south China's Guangdong Province has also been put under the administration of the region.

Previously, there was no clear demarcation of sea zones between Macau and Guangdong.

Overlapping jurisdiction can cause problems in fighting crime at sea.

The adjustments in maritime and land resources by the central government demonstrate the principles of "one country, two systems" as well as the country's support for Macau, unnamed observers said.

President Xi Jinping attended celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Macau's return to the motherland on December 19, 2014.

During that visit, he promised to clarify the water areas governed by Macau while meeting with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the SAR.

Soon afterwards the central government, along with authorties in Guangdong, Zhuhai and Macau, worked out a plan after collecting opinions and making field studies.

The demarcation will strengthen Macau's efficient governance by law.

Geographic space is vital for Macau in its process of transforming into a world tourism and leisure center, and a service platform between the Chinese mainland and Portuguese-speaking countries.

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