Good relations with China “an asset for Portugal” – Last Governor

*with Lusa

The last Portuguese governor of Macau, Vasco Rocha Vieira, highlighted the importance of Portugal’s “good historical relations” with China as an asset that could improve ties between Beijing and the European Union. 

Vasco Rocha Vieira stressed that the history of Macau has given Portugal “a privileged knowledge” of China, which can “influence destinations, give opinions and advise” Brussels in its relationship with Beijing.

The last governor of Macau (1991-1999) pointed out that China is “a superpower in the making” and that Lisbon can “contribute to respect, progress and peace”, in a world marked by “very great instability”.

General Rocha Vieira, who served as Governor of Macau between 1991 and 1999, made these comments to journalists after receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Science and Technology of Macau, which had been awarded in April 2022.

In addition to the historical ties, Vieira also sees the interest in the Portuguese language in China as “another great asset” for Portugal. The general noted the growing number of Chinese universities teaching Portuguese and emphasized the significance of the interest in the Portuguese language in China.