Society
Hakuna matata, Macao!
By Huang Xiangyang (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-16 07:33
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Macao's checkered past
1557
The Portuguese settle down in Macao
1887
Unequal treaties are signed between Portugal and the Qing government trying to legalize the occupation of Macao and its two outlying islands
1961
Gambling is legalized
1972
China's representative to the UN declares that the country shall, when conditions ripen, properly resolve the Hong Kong and Macao issues through peaceful means. Before that, it will maintain the status quo of the two regions
1974
The Portuguese government admits Macao is Chinese territory
1975
The last batch of Portuguese troops leaves Macao
Feb 8, 1979
China, Portugal establish diplomatic relations, and agree to solve the Macao issue through negotiations
April 13, 1987
Joint declaration is signed after four rounds of talks, stipulating China will exercise sovereignty over Macao from Dec 20, 1999
March 31, 1993
The Basic Law of Macao is passed by the National People's Congress
Dec 20, 1999
Macao is handed over to the motherland
