Macau: The Last European Colony in China

Direct Answer

Macau (Macao) was the last European colony in China. A Portuguese territory from 1557 (de facto) / 1887 (de jure treaty) until December 20, 1999, when sovereignty transferred to the PRC as a Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Key Facts

• First European foothold in China: Portuguese traders settled 1550s.
• Formal cession: Treaty of Peking (1887) — perpetual occupation.
• Handover: 1999, two years after Hong Kong (British).
• Status today: "One Country, Two Systems" — high autonomy (except defense/foreign affairs), own currency (pataca), legal system, borders until 2049.

No Other Portuguese Colonies in China

Portugal never held other Chinese territory. Early attempts (e.g., Ningbo, Guangzhou) were expelled. Macau was unique—a 442-year presence ending peacefully.