Macau Security Report — February 23, 2026

Security analysis based on open-source intelligence and web research. Period: February 16 — February 23, 2026.

Executive Summary

Macau experienced a period of heightened activity from February 16 to February 23, 2026, primarily driven by the Chinese New Year holiday, which saw a massive influx of visitors and necessitated robust border security and crowd control measures. Concurrently, the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) government continued to solidify its national security framework, with the Legislative Assembly passing a significant bill to regulate the Committee for Safeguarding National Security. Efforts to enhance cross-border law enforcement and cybersecurity cooperation with mainland China and regional partners were also prominent. Furthermore, Macau actively pursued its strategic role as an economic and tourism bridge between mainland China and ASEAN, aiming to diversify its economy and strengthen regional ties.

Key Security Developments

• Massive Influx of Visitors During Chinese New Year: Macau authorities anticipated between 6 million and 6.21 million cross-border trips during the nine-day Chinese New Year holiday, which ran from February 15 to 23, 2026, with daily movements averaging over 670,000. On February 19, 2026, the fifth day of the holiday, Macau recorded a new single-day record of over 227,943 visitor arrivals, with more than 750,000 cross-border movements recorded that day. This surge led to significant pressure on border checkpoints, particularly the Border Gate, Hengqin Port, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

• Heightened Border Security and Crowd Control Measures: In response to the anticipated surge in visitors, Macau's Public Security Police Force (CPSP) and Customs Service implemented enhanced crowd control measures in major tourist areas, such as Taipa and around the Ruins of St. Paul's. Additional clearance channels and access lanes were made available at border checkpoints to speed up processing and accommodate the increased flow of travelers. Real-time temporary traffic management measures were also implemented in pedestrian areas.

• Secretary for Security Inspects Frontline Units: On February 19, 2026, Secretary for Security Chan Tsz King led a delegation to inspect frontline units at major border checkpoints, including the Border Gate and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge checkpoint, as well as units of the Judiciary Police and the Fire Services Bureau. He instructed departments to strengthen contingency planning to ensure smooth border crossings, maintain public order, and step up crime prevention and fire safety inspections during the festive period.

• Legislative Progress on National Security Committee: On February 10, 2026, the Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the outline of a government-initiated bill regulating the operation of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security. This bill aims to formalize the committee's structure and operations, which were previously governed by an administrative regulation, highlighting the enhanced seriousness and authority given to national security matters.

• Expansion of National Security Committee Membership and Scope: The new bill proposes including secretaries overseeing the five policy portfolios, as well as the heads of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), and the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), as members of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security. This expansion underscores a "holistic approach to national security," integrating economic (gaming), cultural, and educational aspects into the national security framework.

• Chief Executive Emphasizes Holistic National Security: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai reiterated Macau's commitment to upholding the holistic view of national security and steadily promoting the development of national security systems and mechanisms. He stressed that strengthening national security is crucial for Macau's long-term prosperity and stability and for the high-quality development of the "One country, two systems" principle.

• Strengthened Security Cooperation with Mainland China: A delegation from Macau's security sector, led by Secretary for Security Chan Tsz King, visited Beijing from January 25 to 29, 2026, to deepen institutional dialogue and strengthen cooperation mechanisms with central government agencies. Agreements were reached with entities such as the Ministry of Justice and the General Administration of Customs on personnel exchanges, specialized training, and strengthening institutional capacity.

• International Police Cooperation with Vietnam: On January 29, 2026, a delegation from Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security met with Deputy Director of Macau's Judiciary Police Bureau, Lai Man Wai, to promote police cooperation. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in crime prevention and control, intensify the exchange of criminal information, and coordinate in investigating cases and tracking fugitives through international police channels.

• Ongoing Cybersecurity Concerns: While no specific Macau-based cyberattacks were reported within the period, the Judiciary Police noted a rise in cybercrime losses in 2025, reaching 300 million patacas, and highlighted that online security situations remain severe. Globally, Chinese cyber threats are escalating in 2026 due to geopolitical tensions, with public administration, education, and finance sectors being high-risk targets. Macau has also been developing a cybersecurity bill since at least 2018 to protect critical information technology infrastructure.

• Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Money Laundering Efforts: Macau is a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), and its Financial Intelligence Office (GIF) is part of the Egmont Group. GIF has organized educational campaigns to raise awareness about money laundering and terrorist financing activities. Macau also cooperates internationally on counter-terrorism efforts through INTERPOL and other security-focused organizations.

• Macau as a China-ASEAN Bridge: Macau is actively positioning itself as a strategic gateway for trade, innovation, and cultural exchange between mainland China and Southeast Asia. The Macao ASEAN International Chamber of Commerce (MAICC) is leading this vision, and the MSAR Government plans to establish new tourism and trade offices in Southeast Asia (with Kuala Lumpur chosen for one) and Northeast Asia in 2026.

Geopolitical Impact and Regional Dynamics

Macau's security developments during this period underscore its deepening integration into mainland China's national governance and security architecture. The unanimous passage of the bill regulating the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, and the Chief Executive's emphasis on a "holistic view of national security," clearly demonstrate Beijing's overarching influence and Macau's commitment to aligning with national directives. This move, similar to developments in Hong Kong, reinforces the "one country" principle and aims to ensure Macau's long-term stability under the "one country, two systems" framework, albeit with potentially reduced autonomy in sensitive areas.

Regionally, Macau is actively enhancing its role as a bridge between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The planned establishment of new tourism and trade offices in Southeast Asia in 2026, with Kuala Lumpur being a chosen location, signifies China's broader strategy to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with ASEAN through Macau. This positions Macau as a key platform for China's Belt and Road Initiative and its engagement with the growing Southeast Asian economies, potentially increasing its geopolitical relevance as a soft power projection tool.

The massive influx of visitors during the Chinese New Year highlights Macau's continued economic reliance on mainland tourism and its function as a major hub for cross-border movement within the Greater Bay Area. Managing such large flows securely and efficiently is critical for both Macau's economic prosperity and regional stability. While not directly impacting Macau, the escalating Chinese cyber threats reported by the Philippines in 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions, suggest a broader regional cybersecurity landscape that Macau must navigate, especially given its own reported cybercrime losses.

Military and Defense Analysis

Macau, as a Special Administrative Region of China, does not possess its own independent military or defense forces. Its defense is the direct responsibility of the Central People's Government of China, with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) maintaining a garrison in the SAR. This arrangement means that Macau's "defense policy" is an extension of China's national defense strategy, and any strategic shifts or modernization programs are determined by Beijing.

The focus for Macau's internal security is on its well-equipped police forces, including the Public Security Police Force (CPSP), the Judiciary Police, and the Customs Service. These forces are responsible for maintaining public order, border control, and crime prevention. The recent inspections by the Secretary for Security, Chan Tsz King, at border checkpoints and high-traffic areas during the Chinese New Year period underscore the operational readiness and coordination of these internal security forces in managing large-scale public events and cross-border movements. Past counter-terrorism drills have also involved cooperation between Macau's police forces and the PLA garrison, demonstrating a coordinated approach to potential security threats. While there are no independent defense spending trends or arms acquisitions by Macau, the strengthening of its internal security apparatus and its close cooperation with mainland Chinese security agencies reflect a continuous effort to enhance its overall security capabilities under the "one country, two systems" framework.

Outlook and Forecast

Short-term trends (1-3 months): Macau is likely to continue experiencing high levels of cross-border traffic, particularly as the post-Chinese New Year travel season extends, necessitating sustained vigilance in border management and crowd control. The recently passed bill regulating the Committee for Safeguarding National Security is expected to be fully enacted, leading to further administrative adjustments and public awareness campaigns regarding national security. Efforts to diversify the economy and strengthen trade and tourism ties with ASEAN will gain momentum, with the establishment of new offices and continued diplomatic engagements.

Critical flashpoints and risk areas: A critical flashpoint could arise from the full implementation of the national security law, particularly if it leads to perceived restrictions on civil liberties or increased scrutiny from international bodies, potentially impacting Macau's image as an international business hub. The gaming industry, a pillar of Macau's economy, remains vulnerable to cyberattacks and financial crimes, as indicated by the significant losses reported in 2025. Any major economic downturn in mainland China could also severely impact Macau's tourism and gaming sectors, leading to internal social and economic pressures. Furthermore, regional geopolitical tensions, particularly those involving China, could indirectly affect Macau's stability and its ability to attract international investment and tourism.

Indicators to monitor: Key indicators to monitor include the visitor arrival numbers and gross gaming revenue (GGR), which will provide insights into Macau's economic recovery and stability. The public and international community's reaction to the implementation of the new national security legislation will be crucial. Monitoring reports on cybersecurity incidents and the effectiveness of Macau's countermeasures will be vital, especially concerning critical infrastructure and the financial sector. Additionally, the progress and outcomes of Macau's initiatives to expand its trade and tourism links with ASEAN countries will indicate its success in economic diversification and regional integration.

Strategic recommendations: Macau should continue to invest heavily in smart border management technologies and comprehensive training for its public security forces to efficiently handle large volumes of travelers while maintaining robust security. Prioritizing the development and implementation of a strong cybersecurity framework, including public-private partnerships and international collaboration, is essential to protect its critical infrastructure and gaming industry from evolving threats. The government should also maintain transparent communication channels regarding national security measures to foster public understanding and confidence, both domestically and internationally. Leveraging its unique position, Macau should strategically enhance its role as a cultural and economic bridge between China and the Lusophone world, as well as ASEAN, to further diversify its economy and strengthen its international standing, while carefully balancing these efforts with its responsibilities under the "one country, two systems" principle.