On February 21st, the Overseas Chinese community in San Francisco, Republic of China, held the “New Year Celebration of the 115th Anniversary of the Overseas Chinese Community in the San Francisco Bay Area” at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center. Hundreds of overseas Chinese and community representatives gathered to welcome the arrival of the Year of the Horse.
The South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center was elaborately decorated with various blessings, couplets, and posters themed around the Year of the Horse, creating a festive atmosphere. The sound of drums and gongs filled the venue as the splendid horse dance and dragon dance kicked off the event.
The event began with a screening of a New Year video from the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission. Chairwoman Xu Jia-Qing, Vice Chairpersons Li Yan-Hui and Zhang Liang-Min, as well as Secretary-General Rong You-E, extended New Year greetings to overseas compatriots worldwide using the words “prosperity,” “success,” “flourishing,” and “opening up.” The video reviewed the achievements of overseas compatriot affairs in the past year, highlighting events like “Taiwan Day” activities in North America to enhance Taiwan’s visibility, global young compatriot forums and exchange programs to engage the younger generation, and the promotion of Chinese language education and cultural exchange. It also expressed the hope for deeper international connections and the development of overseas commerce in the new year towards the goal of “prosperity, success, and unity for all overseas compatriots in the Year of the Horse.”
Consul General at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Wu Zhi-Xiang, described the gathering as a grand assembly of the “strongest Taiwan team” in the Bay Area. Over the past six months, he had participated in various community events and deeply felt the warmth and proactive spirit of overseas Chinese in the Bay Area, witnessing various sectors actively contributing to mainstream society. He emphasized Taiwan’s pivotal role in semiconductor, artificial intelligence, and global supply chains amid rapidly changing international dynamics, attributing this to the long-term efforts and support of overseas Chinese in letting the world see Taiwan and seeking more friendship and cooperation opportunities. He extended his wishes for the prosperity of the Republic of China, hoping everyone will have great success in the Year of the Horse.
In her speech, Deputy Director of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, Cai Jia-Hua, shared that although it was her first time celebrating Chinese New Year overseas, she felt warm due to the care and companionship of her friends in the overseas Chinese community. She underscored the center’s role as an essential platform for uniting overseas Chinese and connecting them to their homeland, expressing gratitude for the collective efforts in preparing the venue and activities, transforming a plain space into a warm and joyous gathering place while showcasing the spirit of unity and cooperation in the overseas Chinese community. She looked forward to continuing to work with overseas compatriots to promote cultural exchange and community service and extended New Year blessings to all participants.
During the event, members of the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission and consulate staff jointly served delicacies to guests. Commissioner Wei De-Zhen expressed her delight in the opportunity to serve overseas compatriots at the event, thanking the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and the Overseas Chinese Education Center for organizing the celebration, where compatriots and honorary members gathered to exchange ideas and strengthen their unity. She highlighted the long-standing spirit of unity and dedication in the Bay Area overseas Chinese community, expressing hope for continued collaboration in the new year to organize various activities that show care and give back to compatriots.
Commissioner Lin Zheng-Yuan told reporters that the New Year celebration is a significant annual event for the overseas Chinese community, co-organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and the Overseas Chinese Education Center with the support of local organizations. This year was particularly meaningful with the first participation of Consul General Wu Zhi-Xiang, demonstrating the warmth and sense of unity in the Bay Area overseas Chinese community. He emphasized the ongoing collaboration to promote Taiwan’s development and deepen exchanges within the overseas Chinese community, hoping for a brighter future for Taiwan.
The stage performances during the event were diverse and rich, including a dance performance titled “Running Horses Racing at the Border City” by the Feather Dance Troupe, a children’s choir performance by the Taiwan Pavilion Children’s Choir, a captivating violin ensemble performance, lively dances, and traditional New Year folk songs one after another. The Northern California Taiwan Motorcycle Team heated up the atmosphere with a song and dance performance of “You Are My Flower,” leading to a series of line and square dances, creating a joyful and dynamic atmosphere.
In the finale, Consul General Wu Zhi-Xiang and Deputy Director Cai Jia-Hua led the New Year toast and celebration, along with the members of the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, to conclude the event with a grand chorus performance of “Congratulations for the New Year” and “Temple Fair.” They then presented lucky bags, couplets, and lanterns, marking a lively and heartwarming end to the festive celebration.