Taiwan Affairs Commission Chairman Xu Jiaqing visited the founder of “Xi Fu Ju,” Zhu Zhenzhong, in Palo Alto on the evening of June 16th. She praised Zhu’s son, director Zhu Haowei, for his achievements in the international film industry and affirmed the continuation of Taiwan’s spirit through the generations of father and son.
Zhu Zhenzhong, originally from Taiwan and residing in the United States for many years, founded “Xi Fu Ju” based on perseverance and passion. Over the past half century, the restaurant has attracted numerous celebrities and dignitaries, including Apple’s founder Steve Jobs, Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg, NBA star Jeremy Lin, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, making it a representative Taiwanese cultural landmark in Silicon Valley.
His son, director Zhu Haowei (Jon M Chu), gained international acclaim through films like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Wicked,” and in 2025, he was honored on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list, becoming one of Taiwan’s shining representatives.
He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Southern California (USC) and shared his journey as a second-generation Taiwanese immigrant at the graduation ceremony, inspiring numerous young students to courageously pursue their dreams.
Xu Jiaqing praised Zhu Zhenzhong for rooting and inheriting Taiwan’s spirit overseas, and she acknowledged director Zhu Haowei’s outstanding achievements in the international film industry, stating that both have brought honor to Taiwan through their talent. She expressed hope that through this visit, the friendship between Taiwan and the overseas community would deepen, using director Zhu as a bridge to promote Taiwan’s cultural soft power internationally and influence the world.
Zhu Zhenzhong expressed that the diligence and warmth of the Taiwanese people have always been the greatest source of inspiration for him and his son in their creative work and lives.
In addition to Xu Jiaqing and Zhu Zhenzhong, the meeting was attended by Chuang Yashu, Director of the Jinshan Bay Area Overseas Education Center, Taiwan Affairs Advisory Committee members Chen Junya, Hu Limin, Lai Jiyu, and Chanile Chang, Chairman of Alexander’s Steakhouse. The atmosphere was warm and enthusiastic.