Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Macau on Wednesday to officiate the swearing-in ceremony of Sam Hou-fai, the enclave's new leader. Sam, the first Macau leader born in mainland China, is a former judge and Beijing loyalist.

This marks Xi's third visit to Macau since assuming power in 2013, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Macau's return from Portuguese rule. The visit comes at a time when Macau's gaming industry has shifted from VIP-focused operations to mass-market entertainment.

Sam Hou-fai shares Xi's vision for economic diversification, expressing concern about Macau's heavy reliance on gambling. He supports Xi's Greater Bay Area initiative, which aims to integrate Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong cities into an economic hub.

The new leader faces significant challenges in reforming Macau's economy. He believes the gambling industry's dominance has limited career opportunities for young people and strained local resources, making economic innovation essential for the region's future development.

This leadership transition follows Ho Iat Seng's decision not to seek another term due to health issues. During Xi's previous visits, particularly in 2014, he emphasized the "one country, two systems" policy while warning against foreign influence, especially in light of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movements.

The timing of Xi's visit is particularly significant as Macau continues to evolve from its former dependency on junket operators and VIP gamblers, a transformation partially triggered by Beijing's 2013 anticorruption campaign that led to a 26-month economic downturn in the gaming sector.

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