Many Americans do not understand the political relationship between China, Hong Kong and Macau. Both Hong Kong and Macau are “special administrative regions” of China.
That's not a designation much of the world uses, but it means the two areas are under the government of the People's Republic of China but are not part of mainland China. Typically these areas have enjoyed more autonomy than other parts of the country.
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“The concepts of 'special administrative regions' and 'one country, two systems' were established by the Chinese government to reintegrate Hong Kong and Macau into China.” Practical law explains.
“As SAR, Hong Kong and Macau retain their capital systems and have a high degree of autonomy. (The) mainland government remains responsible for the defense and foreign affairs of both SARs, but each SAR is authorized to engage in external affairs and participate in international organizations if their terms permit.”
Both Hong Kong and Macau have been popular tourist destinations and regular cruise stops for multiple cruise lines.
Macau has been a regular tender port for Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and Holland America, while smaller ships from luxury cruise lines can dock there.
However, the US State Department says it's a bad idea and issued a Level 3 warning: Reconsider travel on November 27 for the port.
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Macau cruises have stopped
It's worth noting that even before the State Department's warning, all major cruise lines operating based in North America had stopped sailing to Macau. This is, at least in part, because cruise lines have been slow to return to China even though they had big plans to grow there before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Spectrum of the Seas returned to China in April and Royal Caribbean plans to bring a second ship to market in 2025.
Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea, Viking and Windstar have been sailing in China, but not with sailings open to Americans.
The US State Department's warning is specific to Americans.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Macau SAR due to travel restrictions imposed on diplomatic personnel by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
Even in an emergency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China requires that all US diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to the Macau SAR, apply for and receive visas before entering the Macau SAR. This takes at least five to seven days, significantly limiting the US government's ability to provide timely consular services in the Macau SAR.
At a broad level, the Level 3 warning advises Americans to reconsider their travel plans to Macau.
“Reconsider traveling due to limited capacity to provide emergency consular services. Use increased caution due to arbitrary application of local laws,” is the headline of the warning.
Citizens with dual nationality must be very careful
The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality, according to the US State Department.
“Dual US-PRC citizens and US citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional security and harassment,” the agency wrote.
“If you are a dual US and PRC citizen and enter the Macau SAR on a US passport and are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are required to notify the US Embassy or “to the United States Consulate General regarding your detention and allowing US consular officials access to you.”
That's what's supposed to happen, but the reality can be very different.
“In reality, however, US consular officials may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered with their US passports,” he added.
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It is also very important that anyone who decides to visit Macau understands the local regulations.
“Participating in demonstrations or any other activity that authorities interpret as an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations,” the State Department warned.
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