Commentary by Manuel Silvério
Independent analyst on public policy and regional development
(Former senior public official with international experience and longstanding involvement in public policy and sports development)
President Xi Jinping’s speech at the White House welcoming ceremony on September 24, 2026 can naturally be interpreted in the context of China–US relations. But one idea deserves reflection: competition between two great powers does not prevent them from coexisting.
Xi advocated healthy competition with boundaries, like a race in which each participant tries to catch up with the other, rather than a fight in which one side’s victory requires the other’s defeat. He also stressed the need to avoid conflict and confrontation.
A single speech cannot eliminate deep differences over economic matters, technology and security. It is too early to speak of a new era in relations between the two countries. But it would also be unwise to ignore the signals now emerging.
Of the 100,000, how many could come to Macau?
In Washington, Xi said that the hope of China–US relations lies in their people and their future in young people, announcing that China would invite 100,000 young Americans for exchange and study programmes over the next five years.
The initiative has a foundation. In November 2023, China proposed receiving 50,000 young Americans over five years. According to official figures released in May 2026, more than 50,000 had already participated, reaching the target two and a half years ahead of schedule.
This leads me to a simple question: of those 100,000 young Americans, how many could come to Macau?
There is no need to begin by talking about thousands. A few hundred would already represent a meaningful opportunity.
Macau has universities, schools, heritage, cultural and sporting facilities, hotel capacity and experience in organising events. It also has something that cannot be created by administrative decision: centuries of encounters and coexistence between different cultures.
There are also experiences to build on. In 2025, students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas took part in a programme that included Guangzhou and Macau, with academic and cultural activities organised with Wynn Macau. This example demonstrates existing connections and hosting capacity that can be developed further.
Not to mediate, but to bring people closer
Relations between China and the United States are a matter of national diplomacy. The proposal for Macau focuses on bringing people together, respecting the SAR’s responsibilities in the appropriate areas of external exchanges.
In youth, higher education, culture, technology, tourism, sport and professional exchanges, Macau can make a contribution suited to its international character.
Serving the country’s needs while making good use of Macau’s strengths is in line with the SAR’s development. The 2026 Policy Address includes the development of the Macao–Hengqin International Education (University) Town, efforts to attract scientific and technological talent from around the world, and forums for exchanges between civilisations.
Hong Kong is also strengthening the international exposure of its young people through an international young talent exchange base and opportunities for United Nations internships and participation in international conferences.
Macau can learn from these experiences and develop its own path. The question is what distinctive contribution it can make on the basis of its own circumstances.
Bringing the world to Macau
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the need to provide Macau’s young people with more opportunities to work in international organisations. This remains important, but internationalisation should move in both directions.
Sending our young people abroad enables them to discover the world; bringing young people from other countries enables the world to discover Macau and, through Macau, to understand China better.
Why should Macau not seek to participate in national China–US youth exchange initiatives, working with Hengqin and other cities in the Greater Bay Area?
In the first year, a pilot programme could welcome one hundred young Americans for joint activities with young people from Macau and the Greater Bay Area. Local participation would be essential to ensure that the exchanges also enrich our young people’s experience.
Higher education institutions could work with the relevant authorities and the organisers of the national initiatives, drawing on existing partnerships. Programmes could include university exchanges, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and technology ethics, culture, sport and heritage.
If the experience proves effective and matures, visitor numbers could rise to two hundred. If shortcomings emerge, adjustments can be made. The quality of the encounters should guide the programme’s growth.
What matters most is that participants leave having met people and gained first-hand understanding of a society they had previously encountered mainly through news reports and social media. For Macau’s young people, this would also be an opportunity to practise languages, work together and establish academic and professional connections.
Macau should seek to turn this opportunity into reality. These encounters may create positive connections that are difficult to foresee today.
Macau can open more windows
For centuries, Macau has lived between different worlds. But a historical advantage only acquires real value when it is put to use in the present. Macau can open several windows: towards Portuguese-speaking countries, the Spanish-speaking world and Asia. When conditions are right, why not open another for exchanges between young Chinese and Americans?
As a special administrative region of China, Macau has distinctive characteristics that can promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilisations. Cultural coexistence, diversity and inclusion can translate into concrete experiences of understanding and goodwill.
Enabling a few hundred young people to get to know one another better, helping visitors understand more of Chinese culture, and allowing Macau’s young people to learn from different experiences is, in my view, an effective contribution suited to the SAR’s position. It is also a way to give present-day meaning to Macau’s international role.
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Macau SAR, October 11, 2026
