1999
Midnight, December 19-Early Morning, December 20
The Chinese and Portuguese governments held a ceremony for the handover of Macao and declared China's resumption of its exercise of sovereignty over Macao. The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) of the People's Republic of China was officially established. Following the handover ceremony, the ceremony for the establishment of the MSAR of the PRC and the swearing-in for MSAR officials was held. The PLA Macao Garrison performed their defense duties there beginning at 0:00 on December 20, 1999.