Los Angeles Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Service Center held the “113th Overseas Affairs Committee Preliminary Symposium” and Honorarium Appointment Ceremony on June 20 (Thursday). The theme of the meeting was “Overseas Cooperation to Counter United Front Tactics, Unite Overseas Chinese Communities to Safeguard Taiwan.” Committee members gathered to consolidate and reflect on community recommendations, and will participate in the Republic of China’s 113th Overseas Affairs Committee meeting in Taipei from September 10 to 12.
Director Chen Min-yong of the Overseas Chinese Center in Los Angeles stated that the Chinese Communist Party has long been spreading misinformation through social media and the internet, posing a serious threat to Taiwan’s security, freedom, and democratic values. Therefore, establishing a network of services for overseas Chinese and countering fake news is urgent. The overseas Chinese community also actively provides feedback, emphasizing the avoidance of spreading false information and collectively safeguarding and enhancing Taiwan’s international image.
Ji Qin-yao, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, presented certificates of honorary appointments to new and continuing members, including 7 Overseas Affairs Committee members, 20 Overseas Affairs Advisory Committee members, 31 Overseas Affairs Advisors, and 20 Overseas Affairs Promotion Committee members. He expressed gratitude to the honorary members for their long-term service in the overseas Chinese community, promoting Taiwan-U.S. exchanges, and supporting the government of the Republic of China. Through this symposium, he hopes to consolidate consensus to provide references for promoting overseas Chinese affairs by the committee.
The meeting focused on strengthening network connections, promoting overseas Chinese education, nurturing young people, among other issues. Recommendations from participants included expanding the impact of the Foreign Affairs and Service Corps for America (FASCA) program, creating new honorary positions in overseas Chinese affairs, promoting Taiwan-U.S. professional exchanges, and inviting mainstream American youth to visit Taiwan.
Chen Min-yong mentioned that facilitating overseas Taiwanese businesses in emerging investment areas and promoting their connection and cooperation with Taiwan’s industries are also important projects of the committee. The future will involve establishing close connections among overseas Chinese leaders, encouraging Chinese communities to actively participate in mainstream local societies, and enhancing Taiwan’s international visibility. In terms of overseas Chinese education work, the focus is on cultivating second and third-generation Taiwanese-Americans to learn Chinese and embrace Taiwanese culture.
Several honorary members mentioned the importance of cultivating the participation of Taiwanese descendants, such as expanding the influence of the FASCA program, establishing a mechanism for tracking and nurturing program alumni, and encouraging their long-term involvement in overseas Chinese affairs. Overseas Affairs Advisory Committee member Yang Jia-gan proposed creating “Youth Overseas Affairs Committee Members” and other honorary roles to assist in the continuity and innovation of overseas Chinese affairs. Overseas Affairs Advisor Li Chong-zheng suggested promoting professional exchanges between Taiwan and the U.S., such as providing internships or exchange conferences in areas like accounting, taxation, and finance, to enhance interaction and benefit the development of relevant industries in Taiwan.
Ji Qin-yao urged overseas Chinese communities to focus on language, culture, and identity to cultivate Taiwanese-Americans as a core force for the future overseas Chinese society and continue the support of the overseas Chinese community for Taiwan. He cited examples of families using Mandarin and Taiwanese in their daily lives to develop their ability to receive information from Taiwan. If conditions permit, regularly bring children back to Taiwan to experience the culture and apply for Republic of China passports for them to enhance their sense of identity with Taiwan.