Pro-Beijing camp (Macau)

The Pro-Beijing camp in Macau, also known as the Liaison Office camp, refers to a loosely aligned group of political parties, organizations, and individuals who generally support the policies and governance of the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and its Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) administration.

This camp is not a formal political alliance but rather a descriptor of ideological alignment. Core tenets of the pro-Beijing camp typically include:

• Support for the PRC Government: A fundamental acceptance and endorsement of the PRC's sovereignty over Macau and its overall political system.
• Patriotism: Emphasizing Chinese national identity and cultural values.
• Stability and Economic Development: Prioritizing social stability and sustained economic growth in Macau, often aligning with the PRC's economic policies.
• Gradual Democratization: A preference for a more gradual approach to political reform, emphasizing stability over rapid changes to the political structure. This often involves supporting the existing electoral system, which features a limited number of directly elected seats in the Legislative Assembly, with the majority appointed or elected by functional constituencies.

Prominent members of the pro-Beijing camp include figures from associations representing business interests, labor unions, and community organizations. These associations often hold significant influence in Macau's political landscape through their representation in functional constituencies within the Legislative Assembly and the Electoral College that selects the Chief Executive.

Criticisms of the pro-Beijing camp often center around concerns about the erosion of Macau's autonomy under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, as well as the limited scope of direct democratic representation. Some argue that the pro-Beijing camp prioritizes the interests of the PRC government over the needs and concerns of Macau residents.

The term "pro-establishment" is sometimes used interchangeably with "pro-Beijing," although "pro-establishment" can also encompass individuals and groups that support the Macau SAR government without necessarily explicitly endorsing the PRC's policies.