Taiwanese Overseas Chinese Association Chairman Lin Qiguo and his wife Fu Yuluan made their first visit to San Francisco’s Chinatown on April 22nd, where they were warmly welcomed by the local overseas Chinese community. They visited the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, the Chinese Traditional Cultural Association, the America Public Hall, and the Overseas Chinese Public Hall, among other traditional overseas Chinese organizations.
Chairman Lin and his delegation arrived in the Bay Area on April 21st. On the morning of the 22nd, they first met with Chang Yashu, Director of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, and Lai Mingqi, Director of the San Francisco Office, followed by afternoon visits to four major traditional overseas Chinese organizations.
Their afternoon visit began at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Wang Wei, a member of the Chinese Nationalist Party’s U.S. Branch, welcomed the delegation, highlighting the historical significance of the memorial hall located at the site where Sun Yat-sen delivered speeches years ago. He emphasized the long-standing collaboration between the San Francisco overseas Chinese community and the Nationalist Party, stating that the memorial hall serves as an “outpost” of overseas support for the Republic of China.
Zhang Renrui, a member of the Central Evaluation Committee, recalled his over thirty-year friendship with Chairman Lin and stressed the deep connections the Association has with various sectors of society, hoping to jointly promote Sun Yat-sen’s spirit and unite global overseas Chinese.
Yue Jianfeng, Chairman of the United Heh Hall, also attended the event and expressed admiration for the Association’s long-standing efforts in promoting cultural and economic exchanges, looking forward to increased substantive cooperation and exchanges in the future.
Chairman Lin responded warmly in Cantonese, introducing the Association’s key role in areas such as resistance against aggression, economic development, and overseas Chinese education since its establishment in 1942. Drawing from his personal experience transitioning from “Study in Taiwan” to “Stay in Taiwan”, he encouraged overseas Chinese students to return to Taiwan for development. Lastly, he presented the Overseas Chinese Association’s bimonthly magazine, shared his reflections on commemorating the centennial anniversary of Sun Yat-sen in Nanjing, and urged the preservation of history and cultural heritage.
At the Chinese Traditional Cultural Association, Vice Chairman Yue Jianquan warmly welcomed Chairman Lin and his delegation. Chairman Lin emphasized the foundation of Chinese culture for national development and expressed his hope for collaboration with the Association to promote heritage. Director Deng Zhuozhao highlighted the Association’s efforts over the years in promoting traditional culture through activities such as National Day flag-raising ceremonies, parades, New Year performances, including programs like guzheng and Cantonese opera, well-received by the community. He thanked the Overseas Chinese Association for its support to the overseas Chinese community, anticipating deeper exchanges and cooperation in the future.
At the American Public Hall, Chairman Deng Zhuozhao recounted the initial establishment purpose of the hall to assist early discriminated against Chinese immigrants and emphasized the active participation in community affairs till now, as well as the continuation of history and spirit through the publication of Chinese and English books. He expressed gratitude for Chairman Lin’s visit and believed the significance of the visit was profound.
Chairman Lin mentioned the hardships Chinese immigrants faced in the early days in the U.S. and the support provided by overseas Chinese communities enabling them to overcome challenges together. He stressed the crucial role overseas Chinese communities play in cultural heritage despite improvements in society’s systems, encouraging continued efforts to promote Chinese culture.
During their visit to the Overseas Chinese Public Hall, Supervisor Wang Wei extended a warm welcome speech, emphasizing the deep-rooted relationship between the Hongmen Association and the Republic of China, from supporting the revolutionary efforts of Sun Yat-sen in the U.S. to appointing him as the “Grand Brother of the Hongmen”. Wang Wei highlighted the high involvement of Hongmen members among the 72 martyrs of the Huanghuagang Uprising, demonstrating their significant contributions to the revolution. Today, the Hongmen Association upholds Sun Yat-sen’s ideals and entrusts historical artifacts to the University of California, Berkeley for preservation. Wang Wei anticipated further collaboration with the Association to serve overseas Chinese worldwide.
Chairman Lin expressed that the visit deepened his understanding of the significance of the San Francisco overseas Chinese community in the establishment and revolutionary history of the Republic of China. He emphasized the importance of remembering history, as today’s Republic of China Taiwan was built on the sacrifices of the past, only by honoring history can one foster gratitude.
He also raised concerns about Taiwan’s education reform, which may downplay historical and ethical teachings, causing the younger generation to grow increasingly unfamiliar with historical figures like Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek, lacking respect for teachers and traditional virtues. He called for a focus on history and ethics education, believing that traditional values are indispensable even in the age of technology and AI, hoping for everyone to work together in promoting cultural heritage.
Zhao Bingxian, the Chief Alliance of the Overseas Chinese Public Hall, expressed his hope for the continuation of Chinese traditional heritage and traditional virtues like “propriety, righteousness, integrity, and honor”, to be upheld and further promoted.
Accompanying Chairman Lin were the founding president of the Overseas Chinese Association’s San Francisco Bay Area Branch Wu Yuping, current president Wu Muye, vice president Nie Jianggang, and others.
After completing their Bay Area visit, Chairman Lin and his wife immediately departed for Miami to attend the celebration event organized by the local Commercial Association of Anliang. ◇