O que diz a China

jul22

On June 23, 2022, the Amendment to the Gaming Law, 7/2022, became law.  The influence of the PRC was not hidden.

Rather startling for a casino law, the new first policy goal listed is the safeguard of national security and the security of the Macau SAR.  Legal gambling has never before been singled out as a threat to national security.  But “national security” gives the government unlimited power.  So, if Macau’s Chief Executive decides to terminate a casino concession, he is no longer bound by the criminal laws.

What constitutes national security?  The definition has been stretched to include economic, technological, cyber, and financial security, especially money flowing out of the Chinese Mainland.  The PRC has always hated the massive amounts of cash, estimated at US$150 billion a year, much of it escaping through Macau.  There is actually another new policy goal requiring casinos to prevent illegal cross-border flow of capital.

It is difficult to see how the current VIP suites can continue.  Junkets are being stifled.  Even promoting overseas gambling is now a crime on the Mainland  Nelson Rose https://www.gamblingandthelaw.com/macaus-distressing-new-casino-laws-part-i/

jul22

Important changes to the operating environment under Macau’s amended Gaming Law, which was passed by the Legislative Assembly in June, reflect China’s shifting priorities and growing focus on national security, according to Macau-based law firm MdME Lawyers.

In a legal review of the Amendment to the Macau Gaming Law and Public Tender Regulation, published Thursday, MdME says the law highlights the different scale and maturity of the industry when compared to 2001 – when the original law was approved – as well as the development of Macau’s economy and society in the 20 years that have since passed.

But it also reflects concerns expressed at national level with matters such as national security and illegal cross-border capital flows, prescribing that the operation of casino gaming may only take place under the assumption that national security is preserved.

https://www.asgam.com/index.php/2022/07/14/macau-law-firm-says-amendments-to-gaming-law-a-clear-reflection-of-chinas-shifting-priorities/

mar22

Vice Premier Han Zheng has met on Sunday morning in Beijing with the delegation of Macau deputies to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – the Central Government’s top advisory body – and expressed three hopes for the SAR, among which was assisting the Macau Government in the amendment work of the city’s gaming law.

Mr Han said he hoped the SAR the society can fully cooperate with the authorities’’ epidemic prevention and control efforts; support the SAR’s governance in accordance with the law, and do a good job in amending the gaming law; and actively promote the city’s integration into the country’s development projects, while speeding up the construction of the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, CPPCC delegates told public service broadcaster TDM.

Macau CPPCC delegate Chui Sai Cheong said the Vice Premier noted that the gaming law amendment draft is aimed at ensuring that the city’s main industry develops in a healthier way. It is believed that with the joint efforts of Government, legislators and the society, the law amendment process can be successful, said Mr Chui, who is also Vice President of the Macau Legislative Assembly.

https://www.macaubusiness.com/han-zheng-calls-for-support-to-gaming-law-amendment/

 fev22

BY STAFF REPORTER

Liaison Office Director Fu Ziying reaffirmed yesterday he hoped that “everyone will firmly safeguard the overall jurisdiction of the Central People’s Government over the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR).

Fu, the highest-ranking central government official posted to Macao, also said he hoped that everyone will safeguard the constitutional order of the MSAR as determined by the nation’s Constitution and the Macao Basic Law, safeguard the national interests of sovereignty, security and development, implement the fundamental principle of “patriots governing Macao” and ensure that the practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in Macao does not deviate from its proper direction and will proceed steadily and go far.

Fu, who has headed the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR since December 2018, made the remarks during a Spring Festival reception hosted by the office at the Services Platform Complex for Commercial and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. 

Fu also said that the appropriate diversification of Macao’s economy is the only way ahead for Macao’s sustainable development, “and it is also the common expectation of all.”

Fu also said he hoped that while fighting the Covid-19 epidemic and recovering the economy together, “we will promote the healthy and orderly development of the gaming industry, actively explore the cultivation of diversified industries and strive to set up a reasonable industrial layout, so as to lay a solid foundation for the long-term prosperity and stability of Macao.”

Fu underlined that “Macao has the advantage of “connecting the East and the West and facing the world,” adding that Macao “is the bridgehead of the country’s two-way opening-up.”

He urged everyone in Macao to participate in the central government’s global Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and also to promote the development of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone, based on the “one centre, one platform and one base” concept for Macao’s future development.

He also urged everyone in Macao to heed President Xi Jinping’s “important instructions” concerning Macao’s development.

Fu also said that based on President Xi’s care for Macao and trust in Macao, the MSAR is called upon to write a new chapter in the successful practice of “One Country, Two Systems” with Macao characteristics in the Year of the “majestic” Tiger.

In his comprehensive speech, Fu quoted President Xi as saying that “the motherland has always cared about the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao.”

https://macaonews.org/politics/liaison-office-director-fu-ziying-sets-out-macaos-future-role-as-part-of-china/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=17+February+Daily+Read+%F0%9F%97%9E%EF%B8%8F&utm_campaign=20220217_Daily+Newsletter