New Macao government sworn in

Today marks the 10th anniversary of Macao's return to China, and also its new beginning for the SAR. The new government begins its 5-year term and Macao has also entered a new era of development.

President Hu Jintao attended this morning's inaugural ceremony at the Macao Cultural Center. He says the central government and the people of Macao have high hopes for the new government.

A new beginning new challenges.

Macao's third-term chief executive Chui Sai-On is fully aware of his responsibilities.

Chui Sai-On, Macao's chief executive, said, "I, Chui Sai-On, hereby swear that from now on I take the post of the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR of the People's Republic of China. I will certainly adhere to and implement faithfully the Basic Law of the SAR, be loyal to the People's Republic of China and the Macao SAR, dedicated to my responsibilities and do my very best to maintain Macao's stability and development."

Major officials of the new SAR government also took the oath, vowing to fulfill their responsibilities.

Chui Sai-On says in the next five years, the government will unswervingly implement the Basic Law and work to expand prosperity through progress on all fronts.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) administers as Fernando Chui Sai On (L) is sworn in as the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chief Executive in Macao SAR of south China on Dec. 20, 2009.(Xinhua/Li Xueren)