Macao, known as the “Las Vegas of the East,” has made history by electing its first leader who was born in mainland China. The former top judge of Macao, Zheng Xiaosong, has been selected as the new leader of the Chinese casino hub.
Zheng Xiaosong, 55, was born in Tianjin, China, and has a long and prestigious legal career. He graduated from Peking University with a law degree and went on to become a respected judge in various courts in mainland China before being appointed as one of the top judges in Macao.
His election as the new leader of Macao comes as a surprise to many, as he was not a well-known figure in the political scene. However, his reputation as a fair and just judge, as well as his strong ties to the Chinese government, likely played a role in his election.
Zheng Xiaosong has promised to continue the economic growth and development of Macao, which is heavily reliant on its thriving casino industry. He has also pledged to maintain the region’s unique status as a special administrative region of China, with a high degree of autonomy.
Macao has long been a popular destination for gamblers from around the world, with its glitzy casinos and vibrant nightlife. The region was a Portuguese colony for over 400 years before being handed back to China in 1999, under the principle of “one country, two systems.”
Many have hailed Zheng Xiaosong’s election as a positive step towards greater integration between Macao and mainland China, while others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the region’s autonomy and freedoms.
Overall, Zheng Xiaosong’s election as Macao’s first leader born in mainland China marks a significant moment in the region’s history. As he takes office, all eyes will be on him to see how he navigates the complex political and economic challenges facing Macao in the years to come.