Having agreed on these there was little left that could not be agreed upon. As both parties were prepared to compromise, it was agreed then: -
"that there would never be a unileteral initiative
to change the "status quo" of Macao, nor would there be any changes without negotiation and this only when the time was right to both parties."
It was agreed that what was mentioned in the declaration made on 6th January, 1975 would serve to maintain the present "status quo". The Chinese opening negotiating point was therefore also covered by the Portuguese declaration and satisfied their point of principal. China agreed on Portugal's point on historical legacy. A compromise without any party giving or taking more than the other.
This agreement was rectified by an official
"communique" which was very vague.
It must be noted that the Chinese position from the start was unchangable - their point of principal.
Portugal's position was one of reality, fact, in
the form of preservation of culture in Macao.
Both parties agreed that these would be so now, for the future and beyond. Macao is therefore a "Sino-Luso" historical monument. This situation is to remain unchanged to allow for development, prosperity and continuing Sino-Luso relations and in particular, development of Sino-Luso culture.
At present it is possible for both parties to engage in the development of Macao. Both parties will endeavour to improve Macao so that it would come closer to the level of Hong Kong.
It was also mentioned that Hong Kong has reached a very high level of progress and this progress hereafter will be slower, as it had already achieved much.
Macao, with Chinese goodwill will be developed more rapidly. This would justify Chinese and Portuguese positions.