According to the Macau Daily News, the Macao Special Administrative Region Government celebrated the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. A flag-raising ceremony was held at Golden Lotus Square at 8 a.m. on the 1st day. For the first time, the Macao Security Forces adopted traditional Chinese military exercises and salutes similar to those used by the People’s Liberation Army during the national day celebration, aligning with national standards.
Administrative Chief Cen Haohui, Director of the China Liaison Office Zheng Xincong, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stationed in Macau Cheng Lei, Commander of the PLA troops stationed in Macau Chen Wensheng, Chairman of the Legislative Council Zhang Yongchun, President of the Final Appeal Court Song Minli, key officials of the Special Administrative Region, as well as approximately 600 guests including deputies to the National People's Congress from Macau, members of the Macau Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, legislative council members, members of the Executive Council, and representatives of social organizations attended the ceremony. Thirty young representatives who had previously visited Beijing to “salute the national flag” also participated in the flag-raising ceremony.
Zhen Haohui entered the square accompanied by Chen Zijin, the director of the Security Department. At 8 a.m., a flag escort team from the Public Order Police Bureau escorted the national flag and district flags into the venue. A parade consisting of public order police, fire fighters, customs officials, and a police band played the national anthem. Students from the Jinbin Middle School Choir sang the national anthem. The national flag and district flags were slowly raised amidst melodious music, fluttering in the wind, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
This year, during the flag-raising ceremony, the ceremonial procession and members of the disciplinary forces performed the flag-raising and salute in the manner of the People's Liberation Army, using traditional Chinese marching steps. This demonstrated a new look that aligns with national standards. Subsequently, the members of the disciplinary forces saluted their guests and left the scene with a proper marching step. Traditional Chinese military formations embody the vigorous and noble spirit of a great nation, and reflect deep and profound patriotic sentiments. Along with the steady and sustainable implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy, the Macao Security Forces and security departments have since January began to fully adopt traditional Chinese military formations. With orderly and firm steps, they demonstrate their steadfast love for the country and Macao, thus writing a new chapter in this era.
The Special Administrative Region government celebrated the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. For the first time, the Macao security forces adopted Chinese-style military drills and salutes from the PLA during the National Day flag-raising ceremony. Residents who attended the event felt that the Chinese-style military drills were more impressive and dignified, and they were happy to witness it with their own eyes. Additionally, a group of Macao teachers and students who observed the "salute to the national flag" also attended the ceremony.
A student majoring in hotel management in the first year at Macao University of Tourism said that he was impressed by the spectacular and impressive atmosphere of the Chinese step exercises, which also symbolized respect for the country and the national flag. He believed that the members of the security forces had practiced for a long time and made many efforts. As part of the nation, he hoped that in the future, he would be able to contribute his youthful strength to the country.
Yuehua High School's senior student, Zhang Hao Ran, said that he is very grateful to the Special Administrative Region Government for giving him the opportunity to watch the National Day flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square. He felt that it was completely different from what he had seen in Beijing. In Beijing, he felt the solemnity and strength of the nation; in Macau, he felt a strong sense of belonging, as if he were closely connected to the nation. The military's flag-raising ceremony was very impressive, and he remembered that the current prosperity was achieved through the hard work and sweat of previous generations. He pledged that future generations should continue to work hard, and he wished for the country's prosperity and stability on the occasion of its 77th anniversary.
Mingping School's senior high school student Dai Yufei said that as a young person from Macau, she feels very proud and honored to be able to witness the National Day flag-raising ceremony. She also deeply understands that her country is closely connected with Macau. She believes that the prosperity of the motherland is crucial for Macau's development. Without a nation, there cannot be a home. Only when the motherland is prosperous can Macau's young people have the confidence to step forward in the world and provide themselves with greater motivation for the future. They should strive for comprehensive development and integrate into the national development strategy, contributing their strength as young people of Macau to the development of both the motherland and the special administrative region.
Resident Ms. Gan said that she found Chinese step exercises more attractive. The steps are different from the previous forms of step exercises, looking very "dramatic" and offering a completely different experience. She is very happy to have witnessed this with her own eyes. On the occasion of the 77th National Day, she hopes that residents' lives will improve and everyone will have a job.
Resident Mr. Peng said that this was his first time attending a flag-raising ceremony. He wanted to take his children to the site during the National Day holiday to broaden their horizons and learn about the change in the salute method from traditional Chinese steps to that of the People's Liberation Army. Since Macau is part of China, it is appropriate to use traditional Chinese steps for the ceremony. He wished the country prosperity on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of National Day and expressed his confidence in the country's future development.
Chinese-style queue marching exercises embody the majestic and upright spirit of a great nation, carrying deep and profound patriotic sentiments. Along with the steady and long-term implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy, the Macao security forces and departments have since begun to fully implement Chinese-style queue marching exercises. With orderly and powerful steps, they demonstrate their firm commitment to patriotism and love for Macao, writing a new chapter in this era.
To implement the comprehensive promotion of Chinese-style formation drills, under the leadership and coordination of the Director of Security, and with the strong support of the People's Liberation Army troops stationed in Macau, starting from May 2025, personnel from the Macau Security Forces Higher Education Institution, as well as those from departments such as the Macau Customs, Police Bureau, and Fire Brigade, will conduct systematic drill training at the military camps of the troops stationed in Macau. This training aims to refine standard movements and cultivate a disciplined style of conduct, thereby laying a solid foundation for the comprehensive implementation of Chinese-style formation drills in Macau.
To further improve the professional level of the marching team, with the strong support of the Special Operations Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, the Zhuhai Border Inspection Station, and the Police Liaison Department of the China Federation Office for Foreign Affairs, as well as under the leadership and coordination of the Minister of Security, the Public Order Police Bureau organized members of the Macao security forces and departments responsible for security to participate in intensive training at Hengqin for a month in late May this year. Through intense and hard training, all participants have become more proficient in mastering the standard postures, methods of exerting force, and movement rhythms of Chinese-style marching; at the same time, the orderliness, demeanor, and discipline of the troops have also been greatly improved.
After returning to Australia, personnel from various departments continued to strengthen their training. At the same time, the Security Police Bureau also regularly organized cross-departmental joint training sessions to further enhance and solidify the standard procedures and details, ensuring that the marching tasks during the National Day flag-raising ceremony are completed with high standards.
