Xi attends gala marking Macao's return anniversary

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joins the audience in singing "Ode to the Motherland" at the end of a gala marking the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, in south China's Macao, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a gala marking the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland at the Macao East Asian Games Dome Thursday evening.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, is in Macao for the anniversary celebrations, the inauguration of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), and an inspection tour of the SAR.

Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan walked into the venue accompanied by Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng and his wife Cheng Soo Ching, and were greeted with a standing ovation from the audience.

They watched performances including songs, dances and a musical. At the end of the gala, Xi joined the audience in singing "Ode to the Motherland," wishing the country prosperity and Macao an even brighter future.

Cai Qi and other senior officials also attended the event.