On February 28th (last Saturday), the Taiwan Association on the Peninsula held its annual meeting and president handover ceremony in South San Francisco. The outgoing president Chen Yimao passed the baton to the new president Zhuang Shuyi, under the supervision of Wu Zhixiang, the director of the Taiwan office in San Francisco. The event attracted many compatriots as well as figures from the overseas Chinese community, political and business circles.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Vice Director Cai Jiahua of the San Francisco Bay Area Overseas Chinese Education Center, Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioners Chen Yangming Xian, Li Yuanlin, Liu Lingxia, as well as Huang Guihua, the president of the Northern California Taiwan Compatriot Association, and other overseas Chinese leaders who witnessed the handing over ceremony.
Chen Yimao emphasized that the compatriot association is not only a platform to unite hometown sentiments but also bears the responsibility of voicing for Taiwan. Faced with the ever-changing international situation, the overseas Chinese community should continue to promote international participation and cultural exchanges to enhance Taiwan’s visibility. The association has actively supported Taiwan’s participation in organizations like the WHO and organized various multicultural activities.
He expressed gratitude to the team and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) for their longstanding support, which has led to the continuous improvement in the participation and effectiveness of the “Washington DC Advocacy Trip.” Additionally, he announced that on March 14th and 21st, a screening of the film “A Foggy Tale,” based on the 228 Incident, will be held, inviting compatriots to participate enthusiastically.
Wu Zhixiang praised Chen Yimao’s efforts over the past two years, which have led to significant achievements in association affairs and activities. He congratulated Zhuang Shuyi on taking the helm and expressed hope for the continued growth of the association. He particularly commended the association’s annual trips to Washington DC over the years, emphasizing the importance of using grassroots efforts to advocate for Taiwan and deepen Taiwan-US relations.
Cai Jiahua thanked President Chen for leading the compatriot association in uniting overseas Chinese hearts and congratulated President Zhuang on assuming the leadership role. She pointed out that the association has long supported international initiatives like the WHO and “UN for Taiwan,” and the Overseas Community Affairs Council will continue to collaborate with the association to enhance Taiwan’s visibility in mainstream society.
Zhuang Shuyi, speaking to Epoch Times, mentioned that due to President Chen taking on the role of the Federation president, she once again took on the presidency. She emphasized that the association has entered its 52nd term and will continue to build on the foundation laid by past presidents, promoting activities related to the 228 Incident, uniting the efforts of compatriots to contribute to Taiwan and the overseas Chinese community.
Huang Guihua expressed gratitude to the Peninsula Compatriot Association for their enthusiastic support and active participation in Federation activities over the past year. He acknowledged Zhuang Shuyi’s long-term dedication to association affairs and looked forward to continued efforts for the Bay Area and Taiwan.
The association holds annual events such as Chinese New Year gatherings, Mid-Autumn BBQs, and choir performances, and participates in community activities such as the Taiwan Cultural Festival, sports, and arts competitions alongside various other compatriot associations in the Bay Area through the Northern California Taiwan Compatriot Association. During Chen Yimao’s tenure, he actively promoted interactions between the overseas Chinese community and the US Congress, resulting in the success of actions like the “Washington DC Advocacy Trip,” which have been highly praised.