1st Ld-Writethru: Demarcation of Macao's maritime, land zones drafted

An executive meeting of the State Council, China's cabinet, on Wednesday passed a draft map of administrative divisions demarcating the maritime and land zones of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

The draft adjusts Macao's land demarcation and clarifies maritime zones, which will help Macao keep prosperous and stable and realize sustainable economic and social development, according to the meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

There was no clear demarcation of sea zones between Macao and the mainland's Guangdong, and sometimes overlapping jurisdiction has caused problems in fighting crime at sea and navigation safety.

According to the draft, an area of 85 square km of sea east and south of Macao is administered by the SAR. The border inspection building is also demarcated under the administration of Macao.

The new demarcation will create favorable conditions for moderate diversification in Macao's economy as well as its long-term prosperity and stability, said a spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

According to the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, the areas within the Macao's administrative division are administered in line with the laws of the SAR.

The spokesperson said the central government and Macao SAR will continue implementing "one country, two systems" policy and the Basic Law of Macao SAR. Endi