Macao's Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Fernando Chui Sai On said Thursday that the island's World Heritage application to UNESCO is now complete.

Macao has applied for world heritage status for 20 of its historic buildings, in the old urban center.

UNESCO will make its final decision at the 29th World Heritage Conference in South Africa from July 10th to 17th. Around 30 proposals from different countries will be judged. This is China's only application for 2005.

Macao is home to many historic buildings combining eastern and western styles. They form the largest existing complex of ancient buildings in China.

The 20 buildings on the list include China's oldest church, a lighthouse and a western theater, most of which are still in use.

(Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2005)