Signed on 26 March 1987, the Declaration established the process and conditions of the transfer of the territory from Portuguese rule to the People's Republic of China.
[3] The Joint Declaration served also as the main source of fundamental rights that were implemented in the Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region.
Bilateral talks between China and Portugal led to the status of Macau being established as Chinese territory under Portuguese administration.
[4] The capitalist, legal system and liberal society enjoyed by Macau would remain unchanged for a minimum of 50 years after the transfer.
The Macau SAR would enjoy a great degree of autonomy in all but foreign affairs and defence, which would remain under Chinese control.