China praises Macau and says won't allow foreign forces to act in HK

At a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of Macau’s handover to Chinese rule, Xi Jinping said: “I must emphasize, 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.”

The Chinese leader was referring to the international response to the protests in Hong Kong and the effect 'foreign forces' had allegedly had on them.

But he heaped praise on Macau for its patriotism and loyalty as he swore in new Macau chief executive Ho Iat-seng and his administration, which will run the enclave of islands for the next five years.

Xi said Macau’s patriotism was “the most important reason” for the success of its “one country, two systems formula of governance”.

He also stressed the desireability of further integration between Macau and the mainland, although he did not announce any specific steps.

“The will of the Chinese government and the Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty, security and interest in development is rock solid,” Xi said.

“The forward steps of the Chinese nation’s rejuvenation are unstoppable.”