Beijing rejects reclamation of 85 km2 sea area
A Policy Research Department representative stated during yesterday’s AL plenary meeting that the “related ministry had made it clear that [Macau] better not consider the reclamation of the 85-square-kilometer sea area.”
The information was revealed by the department’s representative, Chief Advisor Mi Jian, in reply to lawmaker Si Ka Lon, who had asked if Macau would seek permission from the central government to reclaim more sea for the construction of “a new Macau.”
The department’s representative told Si that “the society has already agreed that Macau’s future development must be on sea.”
“[I will] make an explanation: although the central government granted the Macau administration rights over 85 square kilometers of sea area, that does not mean it can all be used for land expansion. […] It [the related ministry] said repeatedly, on many occasions, that if the Macau government designs convincing plans [regarding the sea area], then the central government will absolutely support them,” explained Mi.
Currently, Macau is still subject to a moratorium on fishing. Mi noted that the department is conducting a basic investigation on the 85 km2 sea area, and that preliminary research results might be ready when the moratorium ends. According to Mi, the department will draft more specific plans for Macau’s future development, taking the area into consideration.
In total, there are three areas of investigation: the first concerning the waters near the Macau Peninsula; the second concerning the 85 km2 sea area and its vicinity; and the third concerning the 300 km2 sea area near the neighboring 85 km2 region.
Regarding the first investigation into the Macau peninsula, Mi said that the department is hoping for feasible plans soon, and that the investigation has benefited from positive feedback.
“We are conducting these three studies because the central government said that even though [the sea area Macau intends to use] exceeds 85 km2, [the central government] will support Macau, as long as [Macau] presents [good] reasons,” said Mi.
Mi also pointed out that it is difficult for the department to conduct the investigation and create a plan to develop the sea area. This is due to its limitations in terms of natural conditions Macau’s existing facilities in the vicinity, reclamation material restrictions, and the State’s sea policies.
“The central government is very strict regarding sea reclamations,” said Mi. Mi gave the example of a recent project in Hainan that involved an investment of RMB108.8 billion, which was put on hold because of China’s restrictive sea policy. JZ
