MACAO, Dec. 20 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Saturday that Macao has enjoyed orderly progress in democracy, fast economic growth, rising living standards, and social harmony and stability since its return to the motherland 15 years ago.

"The constitutional order of the Macao SAR, as prescribed by the constitution and the Basic Law, is respected and upheld," said the president at a celebration gathering marking the 15th anniversary of Macao's return.

He said that the central government's overall governing power is effectively exercised while the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) is fully guaranteed.