On March 1st, the New York Chinese Community Center held the 69th presidential inauguration ceremony at the Zhongshan Memorial Hall. Hundreds of leaders from the overseas Chinese community, as well as elected officials from New York City and the state, attended the event. Wu Ruixian, who set a personal record by serving as the president of the Chinese Community Center for the fourth time, became the focus of attention in the overseas Chinese community.
The ceremony unfolded in a solemn atmosphere with distinguished guests in attendance. As one of Chinatown’s oldest and most influential organizations, the inauguration of the president of the New York Chinese Community Center has always been considered an important moment in the Chinese community. Lee Chih-chiang, director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, representing the chairperson of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission of the Republic of China, Ms. Hsu Chia-ching, presented a congratulatory message to the newly elected president of the Chinese Community Center, Wu Ruixian.
In his speech, Wu Ruixian expressed gratitude to past presidents and senior figures in the overseas Chinese community for laying a solid foundation. He emphasized the importance of continuing to unite the overseas Chinese community, strengthen communication and cooperation with all levels of government, and advocate for more resources and rights for the Chinese community. He expressed his concerns about major issues in Chinatown over the past seven years, including controversies over prison reconstruction and community protests; the community’s desire to transform land into affordable housing; the redevelopment project of Canal Street and its impact on transportation planning affecting residents, among others.
He called on the city government to prioritize the well-being of the people and to avoid politicizing community issues. He urged elected officials to remember their original intentions and continue to advocate for the community. Wu Ruixian advocated for rational dialogue and the importance of keeping one’s word. He also promoted the spirit of Chinese culture, encouraging overseas Chinese to integrate into American society while preserving and promoting quality Chinese culture. He quoted Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People and Lincoln’s idea of “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” emphasizing democratic values and freedom.
President Wu Ruixian stressed the importance of “institutional governance, integrity, people’s livelihoods as a priority, and cultural heritage,” and expressed his intention to lead the Chinese Community Center with a cautious and pragmatic attitude for the continued service to the overseas Chinese community and steady progress.
Representing the government of the Republic of China, Lee Chih-chiang congratulated and affirmed the fourth successful election of President Wu Ruixian, showcasing the high level of trust and support the overseas Chinese community has in him, and expressing expectations for his leadership to lead the New York Chinese Community Center in stable development and unity among the overseas Chinese. He stated that the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York will continue to work closely with the Chinese Community Center and various overseas Chinese organizations to promote the prosperity and development of the community.
Wu Ruixian’s fourth term as president is a testament to the recognition of his leadership capabilities and coordination experience by the overseas Chinese community. Several elected officials present at the event expressed that the Chinese Community Center plays a crucial role in promoting community development, cultural heritage, and participation in public affairs, and they look forward to deepening cooperation with government agencies under the leadership of the new president. Elected officials who congratulated the event included New York City Public Advocate Williams, City Comptroller Lee Wen, State Senator Kavanaugh, State Assembly Members Lee Rong-en, Zheng Yongjia, City Councilors Marte and Huang Youxing.
The distinguished guests at the event included Deputy Director Zhang Lixian of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, Director Wang Yiru of the New York Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Services Center, advisors to the New York Chinese Community Center Yu Jinshan and Zeng Weikang, Chairman Leung Hon-bun of the Association of Chinese Enclaves in the Eastern United States, Chairman Wu Jianshi of the Taishan Ningyang Association, and many other overseas Chinese community leaders, as well as local elected officials and community representatives who attended to offer their congratulations.