Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Macau on Wednesday to inaugurate Sam Hou-fai as the enclave's new leader and commemorate the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to Chinese rule from Portuguese administration.

Sam Hou-fai, the first Macau leader born in mainland China, is a former judge and Beijing loyalist who shares Xi's vision for diversifying Macau's economy beyond its heavy reliance on gambling.

This marks Xi's third visit to Macau since becoming president in 2013. His previous visits in 2014 and 2019 coincided with the 15th anniversary of Macau's handover and the inauguration of Ho Iat Seng, respectively.

The gaming hub has undergone significant changes since Xi's anti-corruption campaign began in 2013. The sector has shifted from VIP-focused gambling toward mass-market entertainment, following Beijing's crackdown on junket operators and restrictions on money flow into Macau.

Sam Hou-fai has expressed concerns about the gambling industry's impact on local youth employment opportunities and supports Xi's Greater Bay Area initiative, which aims to integrate Macau, Hong Kong, and mainland Guangdong cities into an economic hub.

The new leader faces challenges in balancing economic diversification while maintaining Macau's position as a global gaming destination. His appointment signals continued alignment with Beijing's vision for the region's development under the "one country, two systems" framework.

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