Historical Events tagged with "macau"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Macau Casinos Close Amid COVID-19 Concerns
All casinos in Macau were temporarily closed for 15 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was made by the Macau government as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the virus. This marked a significant disruption to the gaming industry in the region, which is highly reliant on gambling revenue. The casinos, major contributors to the local economy, took measures to protect the health and safety of employees and visitors.
Continue ReadingOpening of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge
The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, the longest sea crossing, opened to public traffic, connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau. This monumental infrastructure project spans approximately 55 kilometers and uses a combination of bridges and tunnels. The bridge aims to enhance transportation links in the Pearl River Delta region, reduce travel time significantly, and promote economic collaboration among the three regions.
Continue ReadingMacau's Sovereignty Transferred to China
Macau was officially handed over to China by Portugal, ending over 400 years of Portuguese colonial rule. The handover ceremony, held at the Macau Convention and Exhibition Centre, marked a significant moment in the Sino-Portuguese relationship. It was attended by various dignitaries, including China's President Jiang Zemin and Portuguese Prime Minister António Guterres, symbolizing the end of colonialism and the transition to Chinese sovereignty under the 'one country, two systems' principle, allowing Macau to retain a degree of autonomy.
Continue ReadingHong Kong Handover to China from Britain
The handover of Hong Kong marked the end of British rule after 156 years, as sovereignty was transferred back to China. The ceremony took place on a grand scale, featuring key figures such as British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Charles, Prince of Wales, Chinese President Jiang Zemin, and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who witnessed this historic moment in Victoria Harbour. The transfer was rooted in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, leading to the establishment of the 'one country, two systems' principle, allowing Hong Kong to maintain its separate legal and economic systems for 50 years after the handover.
Continue ReadingFirst Commercial Aircraft Hijacking
The Miss Macao, a passenger seaplane operated by a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airways, was hijacked while en route from Macau to Hong Kong. A group of armed men stormed the cockpit, demanding the plane be rerouted to China. During this tense takeover, the crew managed to maintain control and prevent the aircraft from being diverted, successfully landing it in Hong Kong after the crisis was resolved.
Continue ReadingAssassination of João Maria Ferreira do Amaral
João Maria Ferreira do Amaral, the governor of Portuguese Macau, was assassinated by a group of Chinese locals, which escalated into a military conflict between China and Portugal known as the Battle of Passaleão, taking place shortly thereafter. The incident highlighted growing tensions in the region and was fueled by local frustrations over colonial governance and conflicts regarding trade and local autonomy.
Continue ReadingDutch Attempt to Capture Macau Fails
In June 1622, the Dutch attempted to seize Macau from Portuguese control as part of their broader efforts to dominate trade routes in Asia. A Dutch military fleet, under the command of Admiral Hendrick Lonck, launched an attack on the fortified city, which was pivotal in the region's spice trade. The defense was led by the Portuguese, who, despite being outnumbered, effectively repelled the attack. The failed capture of Macau highlighted the strategic significance of the city and the resilience of its defenders.
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