MACAO - The Macao Special Administrative Region government and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao SAR on Tuesday expressed firm opposition regarding the US Department of State's so-called 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, which ranked Macao Tier 3.

The security authority of the Macao SAR government noted that Macao has rigorously implemented the Law No. 6/2008 "Combat the Crime of Trafficking in Persons", fully implemented international conventions applicable to the Macao SAR, and actively prevented and deterred human trafficking crime.

Macao's Human Trafficking Deterrent Measures Concern Committee brings together government departments and NGOs to fight trafficking and related crimes, the authority said, adding that through joint efforts, cases of human trafficking in Macao remain extremely rare or zero, underscoring the city's reputation as one of the safest in the world.

The SAR government condemned the so-called report as a smear, saying it ignores facts and interferes in Macao's internal affairs. It vowed to continue working with the community, judicial authorities, and international partners to strengthen prevention strategies and eradicate trafficking and exploitation.

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The Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China also voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition. A spokesperson said the US' so-called report disregards Macao's long-standing and effective efforts against trafficking, denies widely recognized progress, and rudely interferes in Macao's affairs and China's internal matters.

Since Macao's return to the motherland, the spokesperson noted, the SAR government, backed by the central government, has actively advanced prevention, victim protection, and international cooperation, keeping trafficking cases at an extremely low or even zero level.

The spokesperson added that Macao's stable society, inclusive culture, and well-regulated labor environment are broadly acknowledged by the international community, attracting more global talent to live and work in the city. The United States turns a blind eye to these facts and repeatedly issues biased reports. Instead of pointing fingers at others, the spokesperson urged Washington to examine itself against the "highest standards" it claims to uphold.