The Government of the Macau Special Administrative Region (澳門特別行政區政府) is the executive authority of Macau, established on December 20, 1999, following the transfer of sovereignty from Portugal to China. Under the Basic Law and “One Country, Two Systems” (一國兩制) framework, the government operates with a degree of autonomy while remaining under Beijing’s jurisdiction for foreign policy and defense matters. The Chief Executive, selected by a 300-member election committee and appointed by the Central People’s Government, heads the administration and appoints an Executive Council of 7 to 11 members. Principal officials include five Secretaries covering administration, economy, security, social affairs, and public works, along with the Commissioner Against Corruption and Commissioner of Audit, all nominated by the Chief Executive and appointed by Beijing. In May 2023, Macau expanded its national security law to widen punishments for opposition to Beijing, including non-violent acts of secession and criticism of central government departments, following similar restrictions implemented in Hong Kong.