Chinese president Xi Jinping used the 20th anniversary of the handover of Macau from Portuguese control to quietly rebuke Hong Kong yesterday.

Mr Xi closed out a rare three-day visit by praising Macau for its loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party and love for the Chinese nation, in contrast to the city state that has been rocked by months of anti-government protests.

Red banners criss-crossing the streets of the territory proclaiming a “warm welcome for leader Xi,” underlined the distinction between Macau and Hong Kong, just an hour's ferry ride away.

Macau is “a beautiful chapter” under the “one country, two systems arrangement” as its residents have put patriotism ahead of other core values including democracy, rule of law, human rights and freedom, the president said.

Mr Xi also reiterated that Beijing would never allow “external forces” to challenge China’s sovereignty. Government officials have blamed the UK, US and other Western nations for fomenting unrest in Hong Kong to destabilise China.

“The long-term prosperity and stability of Macau will never be shaken by temporary twists and turns,” he said, as he led the swearing-in for Macau’s new chief executive, Ho Iat Seng, whose political leanings are pro-Beijing.

Over at Senado Square in the center of Macau, families strolled through the Christmas market and tourists snapped photos by historic cathedral ruins. Those feeling bold tried their luck at the city’s many glittering casinos, where the sound of slot machines rang through the chatter.