ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the lack of incidents in center-local relations, paradoxically, is an indication of the unfulfilled realization of the autonomous potentials promised in one country two systems (OCTS). The OCTS has created a political promise of self-autonomy. Autonomy and decentralization are core principles in the reconstruction of Macao’s political system after the end of Portuguese colonial rule in 1999. Macao was allowed to preserve its gambling-dominated economy and was promised a high degree of autonomous rule in its domestic affairs. Thousands of Chinese residents flooded into Macao to enjoy the excitement of casino gambling, which is illegal in the Mainland. The range of powers devolved to the Macao Special Administrative Region government is enumerated as evidence to support the claim that Macao indeed enjoys an unprecedented degree of autonomy for a local government. With China underwriting the law and order of Macao, transition was able to take place without hindrance.
