Representatives of the overseas Chinese community celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing- see development and move forward together

Recently, representatives from the overseas Chinese community were invited by the State Council’s Overseas Chinese Affairs Office to partake in a series of National Day celebrations in Beijing for 2024. Attendees took the opportunity to share their experiences with a reporter from China News Service, reflecting on their emotions as they witnessed the vibrant continuity of Chinese culture and the rapid development in their homeland. They extended heartfelt congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with their ancestral homeland in sharing stories and advancing modernization with Chinese characteristics.

“I am thrilled to be here in Beijing, representing the overseas Chinese community during the 75th anniversary of New China,” shared Lin Wenmeng, president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar. This was his first visit to the National Library, and he was impressed by the historical texts that embody the essence of Chinese civilization. “At the discussion forum, it was enriching to hear the experiences and insights from overseas Chinese from various countries. Sharing ideas about the development of our communities was incredibly rewarding,” he added.

Li Li, principal of the Nuremberg Chinese School in Germany, expressed pride and emotion upon viewing the replica of the “Yongle Encyclopedia” prominently displayed in the National Library. “Often referred to as the ‘gene bank of Chinese culture,’ the library provides a fascinating glimpse into our civilization’s enduring legacy,” he noted. He mentioned that his school organizes artistic activities during festivals to teach students about the cultural significance behind them. “As educators of the Chinese language overseas, we are dedicated to promoting the magnificent traditions of our culture and fostering exchanges between Chinese and foreign civilizations so that more people can understand the real China through language,” he emphasized.

Chen Zhen, president of the Central and Eastern European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, was particularly moved by the high-fidelity replica of the “Yongle Encyclopedia” at the library. “Preserving ancient texts is crucial for the development of Chinese culture and serves as an essential reference for explaining our civilization to the world,” he remarked. He plans to translate his observations from the event into the local language to share with his fellow citizens, aiming to highlight China’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and civilization.

Han Jun, chairman of the China Peaceful Unification Promotion Association in East Africa, reflected on the extraordinary privilege of exploring over 5,000 years of unbroken Chinese history. “The changes in China after its founding 75 years ago have been remarkable, opening numerous opportunities for overseas Chinese,” he noted. He emphasized the vast potential for cooperation between China and Africa, urging overseas Chinese to seize new opportunities for extensive collaboration across various fields.

Guo Qingjiang, editor-in-chief of the Malaysian newspaper Sin Chew Daily, underscored the importance of the evolving narrative of China. “As overseas Chinese media professionals, we are committed to our role in providing timely and credible reporting for readers who care about China,” he stated. “Our media serves as a two-way communication bridge, helping readers in China understand Malaysia’s unique culture and social changes, thus facilitating better exchanges between our two peoples.”

Weng Cuiyu, president of the Costa Rica Chinese Association, expressed her astonishment at the rapid development she notices each time she returns to China. “China’s modernization represents a distinct path that contrasts with the West, providing a valuable reference for many Latin American countries,” she pointed out. “As overseas Chinese, we should serve as a bridge, facilitating exchanges and collaborations between our host countries and China across various sectors.”

Luo Jian, president of the World Federation of Chinese Schools, shared insights on the evolution and mission of Chinese language education abroad. “After hundreds of years of tradition, we are tasked with innovating within this multicultural environment,” he stated. “Chinese schools overseas ought to strengthen their collaborations to promote cultural exchanges, thus adding vibrant color to the world’s cultural landscape.”

Dong Gang, leader of the Cape Town Huaxing Art Troupe in South Africa, expressed profound national pride after seeing artifacts from ancient times. “The deep well of Chinese culture serves as a source of inspiration for overseas Chinese to engage in cultural activities,” he shared. “While abroad, it’s vital that we maintain confidence in our culture and create works that embody the spirit of the Chinese nation. By appreciating and valuing our identity, we can earn recognition from others.”

During the series of events, representatives also visited the National Library and the Archaeological Museum of China, attended receptions for overseas Chinese, and engaged in discussions focused on enhancing the role of overseas Chinese in China’s modernization, high-level openness, cultural heritage, and cross-cultural exchanges.