(Macao, China, December 19, 2014)

Good evening! Tonight, beautiful Hou Kong River glitters in splendid colorful lights. I am very glad to get together with you to mark the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

Here, on behalf of the Central Government and people of all ethnic groups in the country, I would like to extend my sincere greeting and best wishes to you and to all Macao residents!

This afternoon, shortly after I arrived in Macao, I visited two families in the Seac Pai Van public housing estate to personally learn about the changes that have taken place in Macao in these years and the daily life of ordinary local residents. I chatted with members of the two households about their family, work, study and dreams. I was touched that, ordinary as these two families are, they live in harmony and happiness, and they are families whose adults work diligently, and children study hard. They all care about the development of the community and the Special Administrative Region (SAR), and look forward to a more beautiful tomorrow.

I did not stay long at their homes, yet through this window to Macao, I saw that local residents live a happy life, while Macao, a "small city full of stories and joys," enjoys economic development, improvement in people's livelihood and social stability.

Fifteen years ago, in the moving melody of the Song of the Seven Sons, Macao, after weathering many vicissitudes, eventually returned to the arms of the motherland. Since then, we have been entrusted with the important task of building Macao according to the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR. Over the 15 years, Macao has made great social and economic achievements. A vibrant, stable and peaceful Macao is standing with a new look at the coast of the South China Sea. We are sincerely happy about and proud of this!

These achievements would not be possible if not for the correct implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law, the united efforts of the SAR government and Macao compatriots, or the strong support of the Central Government and people of all ethnic groups in the country.

The progress and achievements attained in Macao testify to the strong vitality of the concept of "one country, two systems" and Macao compatriots, who are masters of their own destiny, are able to unite as one and work hard to build their own homeland, under the guidance of such principles as "one country, two systems," "Macao people administering Macao," and a high degree of autonomy.

The practice of "one country, two systems," an undertaking with no precedent, will not be smooth sailing. While scoring remarkable progress and achievements, Macao has its own share of problems to handle and faces numerous difficulties and challenges that must be properly managed. The important issue for Macao at present and for some time in the future is how it can make greater progress on the basis of its achievements in the last 15 years and maintain long-term prosperity and stability. For Macao to continue to break waves and sail forward, this issue must be properly addressed.

Greater achievements call for greater efforts. A popular saying goes, "The table is too small a stage for a big drama." Nonetheless, our practices in the 15 years after Macao's return to the motherland show that as long as the path is right, policies are favorable, and people are resourceful and united, a big drama can be staged in a small place. While we draw confidence and vigor from Macao's progress and achievements, we should also soberly identify new changes in Macao's internal and external environment, and excel at overall planning and pooling our wisdom so as to ride on the momentum to greater achievements.

Currently, the Chinese mainland is in a crucial period of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, comprehensively deepening reform and promoting the rule of law, which opens up great opportunities and ample room for Macao's development. Time and tide wait for no man. Macao compatriots should give full play to the advantage of the "one country, two systems," seize the opportunities availed by the motherland's development, ride on the motherland's reform and development fast track, and solidly promote sustained and sound social and economic development in Macao.

Over the course of long-term struggle, Macao compatriots have formed the good tradition of loving the motherland and loving Macao, being inclusive, pragmatic and enterprising, and helping each other. The tradition is a power source of Macao's development. We should cherish and carry on the valuable spirit. Proceeding from the overall interest of the country and the long-term interest of Macao, we should give full play to Macao residents' initiatives and creativity so that they will actively devote themselves to the building of Macao, support the SAR's chief executive and government for governing the region according to law; steadfastly promoting development, harmony and progress; and continuously pushing forward the system of "one country, two systems."

I am convinced that under the leadership of the chief executive and the SAR government, people from all sectors will be united as one and make continued efforts to write an even more brilliant chapter in the story of Macao. The people of Macao will also work side by side with people in other parts of China to make new and greater contributions to completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, to the country's modernization drive and to the realization of the Chinese dream of great renewal of the Chinese nation!

Now please join me in a toast:

To a more beautiful tomorrow in Macao,

To the great motherland's prosperity and people's happiness,

and

To the health of friends present here and your families.

Cheers!