The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal have reviewed with satisfaction the development of the friendly relations between the two Governments and peoples since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and agreed that a proper negotiated settlement by the two Governments of the question of Macao, which is left over from the past, is conducive to the economic growth and social stability of Macao and to the further strengthening - of the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. To this end, they have, after talks between the delegations of the Governments, agreed to declare as follows:
1. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal declare that the Macao area (including the Macao Peninsula, Taipa Island and Coloane Island, hereinafter referred to as Macao) is Chinese territory, and that the Government of the People's Republic of China will resume the exercise of sovereignty over Macao with effect from 20 December 1999.
2. The Government of the People's Republic of China declares that in line with the principle of one country, two systems, the People's Republic of China will pursue the following basic policies regarding Macao :
1. In accordance with the provisions of Article 31 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, the People's Republic of China will establish a Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China upon resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Macao.
2. The Macao Special Administrative Region will be directly under the authority of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China, and will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs which are the responsibilities of the Central People's Government. The Macao Special Administrative Region will be vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication.
3. Both the Government and the legislature of the Macao Special Administrative Region will be composed of local inhabitants. The chief executive will be appointed by the Central People's Government on the basis of the results of elections or consultations to be held in Macao. Officials holding principal posts will be nominated by the chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region for appointment by the Central People's Government. Public servants (including police) of Chinese nationality and Portuguese and other foreign nationalities employment. Portuguese and other foreign nationals may be appointed or employed to hold certain public posts in the Macao Special Administrative Region.
4. The current social and economic systems in Macao will remain unchanged, and so will the life - style. The laws currently in force in Macao will remain basically unchanged. All rights and freedoms of the inhabitants and other persons in Macao, including those of the person, of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of travel and movement, of strike., of choice of occupation, of academic research, of religion and belief, of communication and the ownership of property will be ensured by law in the Macao Special Administrative Region.
5. The Macao Special Administrative Region will on it's own decide policies in the fields of culture, education, science and technology and protect cultural relics in Macao according to law. In addition to Chinese, Portuguese may also be used in organs of government and in the legislature and the courts in the Macao Special Administrative Region.
6. The Macao Special Administrative Region may establish mutually beneficial economic relations with Portugal and other countries. Due regard will be given to the economic interests of Portugal and other countries in Macao. The interests of the inhabitants of Portuguese descent in Macao will be protected by law.
7. Using the name " Macao, China ", the Macao Special Administrative Region may on it's own maintain and develop economic and cultural relations and in this context conclude agreements with states, regions and relevant international organizations.
The Macao Special Administrative Region Government may on it's own issue travel documents Government may on it's own issue travel documents for entry into and exit from Macao.
8. The Macao Special Administrative Region will remain a free port and a separate customs territory in order to develop it's economic activities. There will be free flow of capital. The Macao Pataca, as the legal tender of the Macao Special Administrative Region, will continue to circulate and remain freely convertible.
9. The Macao Special Administrative Region will continue to have independent finances. The Central People's Government will not levy taxes on the Macao Special Administrative Region.
10. The maintenance of public order in the Macao Special Administrative Region will be the responsibility of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government.
11. Apart from displaying the national flag and national emblem of the People's Republic of China, the Macao Special Administrative Region may use a regional flag and emblem of it's own.
12. The above-stated basic policies and the elaboration of them in Annex I to this Joint Declaration will be stipulated in a Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China by the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, and they will remain unchanged for 50 years.
3. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal declare that, during the transitional period between the date of the entry into force of this Joint Declaration and 19 December 1999, the Government of the Republic of Portugal will be responsible for the administration of Macao. The Government of the Republic of Portugal will continue to promote the economic growth of Macao and maintain its social stability, and the Government of the People's Republic of China will give its cooperation in this connection.
4. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal declare that in order to ensure the effective implementation of this Joint Declaration and create appropriate conditions for the transfer of government in 1999, a Sino-Portuguese Joint Liaison Group will be set up when this Joint Declaration enters into force, and that it will be established and will function in accordance with the relevant provisions of Annex II to this Joint Declaration.
5. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal declare that land leases in Macao and other related matters will be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Annexes to this Joint Declaration.
6. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Portugal agree to implement all the preceding declarations and the Annexes which are a component part of the Joint Declaration.
7. This Joint Declaration and it's Annexes shall enter into force on the date of the exchange of instruments of ratification, which shall take place in Beijing. This Joint Declaration and it's Annexes shall be equally binding.
Done in duplicate at Beijing on 1987 in the Chinese and Portuguese languages, both texts being equally authentic.
For the Government of the People's Republic of China.
For the Government of the Republic of Portugal.