China's Xi arrives in Macau for handover anniversary visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macau on Wednesday, kicking off a three-day visit as the casino hub prepares to celebrate 25 years of Beijing rule.

The former Portuguese colony was handed over to China on December 20, 1999, under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework that promised autonomy and wider civil liberties than the Chinese mainland.

Xi lauded Macau's implementation of the framework after he landed at Macau International Airport. Xi will attend the inauguration of Macau's new administration during his trip and also conduct an inspection tour, state news agency reported.