Original title: 223 years, those good memories of overseas Chinese.
People's ** overseas edition reporter Jia Pingfan Xu Lingyuan.
Looking back on the past year, what memories are unforgettable?The 60 million overseas Chinese on five continents have many moving stories. Recently, several overseas Chinese said in an interview with this reporter that in 2023, they shuttled between their ancestral (home) country and the country where they lived, witnessed gratifying changes, recorded historical moments, and left good memories. With wishes and longing, overseas Chinese around the world will usher in the New Year's bell of 2024 together.
Overseas Chinese in San Francisco, USA, welcomed the visit of President ***. Photo by Weng Qiyu (People's Vision).
In Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, campers participating in the 2023 "China Root-Seeking Tour" summer camp of "World Heritage Quanzhou Joy to See Fortress" pose for a group photo in front of the Nanjing Tulou. Photo courtesy of Fujian Provincial Federation of Overseas Chinese.
In Qingyuan, Guangdong, trains pass through golden rice fields. Photo by Wang Meiyan (People's Vision).
Looking back on the past year, what memories are unforgettable?The 60 million overseas Chinese on five continents have many moving stories. Recently, several overseas Chinese said in an interview with this reporter that in 2023, they shuttled between their ancestral (home) country and the country where they lived, witnessed gratifying changes, recorded historical moments, and left good memories. With wishes and longing, overseas Chinese around the world will usher in the New Year's bell of 2024 together.
Han Dongqi, Secretary General of the Tajikistan Federation of Overseas Chinese——
The Belt and Road Initiative", starting again on the occasion of ten years.
On December 13, 2023, the first China-Tajikistan Vocational Education Forum was held simultaneously in the Luban Workshop of Tajikistan and Tianjin Urban Construction Management Vocational and Technical College. During the forum, the three universities of the two countries signed a cooperation agreement on the joint training of the Luban Workshop, relying on the Luban Workshop to open up a new mechanism for international cooperation between bachelor and master.
At the Luban workshop, Han Dongqi, secretary general of the Tajikistan Federation of Overseas Chinese, witnessed this moment. The forum emphasized the need to strengthen school-enterprise cooperation, achieve targeted training, and cultivate the most urgently needed talents for Tajikistan. Han Dongqi said.
The forum was held on the occasion of the first anniversary of the operation of the Luban workshop in Tajikistan. "The timing was perfect. Han Dongqi said that this year, he spent most of his time in the Luban workshop. "I've put a lot of effort into it. From the construction of the project to the official operation, from the matchmaking of the two universities to the improvement of the teaching facilities, my team and I participated in the whole process of the construction of the Luban Workshop in Tajikistan. ”
As the first Luban workshop in Central Asia, the Luban Workshop in Tajikistan focuses on cultivating talents in urban thermal energy application and engineering surveying and mapping that are urgently needed in the local area, and is currently mainly teaching students of related majors at Tajikistan Technical University. "Recently, the first batch of thermal energy students trained by the Luban workshop were hired by the Dushanbe thermal power plant with high salaries immediately after graduation. Han Dongqi said, "Cultivating technical talents, increasing employment opportunities, and increasing family income, the Luban Workshop has helped the local people improve their livelihood conditions, which has been recognized by the leaders of China and Tajikistan and welcomed by the local society of Tajikistan." While building a new stage for Sino-foreign vocational education cooperation, Luban Workshop has built another bridge to promote people-to-people exchanges and people-to-people ties between China and Tajikistan. ”
In 2024, Han Dongqi's plan will include a lot of cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Tajikistan. "I have contacted domestic cultural groups and plan to invite Tajikistan's symphony orchestras and ballet troupes to perform in China. Han Dongqi introduced that in addition, there are four things that hope to be completed in 2024: first, to promote the Sino-Tajikistan Culture and Art Week to be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang;The second is to establish a "Belt and Road" cultural exchange and learning mechanism to increase opportunities for cooperation in business performancesThe third is to select programs that conform to domestic aesthetic habits and introduce high-quality literary and artistic works from Tajikistan to ChinaThe fourth is to actively communicate with Hengdian Film and Television City and finalize the preliminary intention for foreign actors to participate in film and television cooperation.
Han Dongqi said: "There are more choices and more opportunities. ”
Lu Qiang, founding chairman of the Southern California Federation of Chinese Organizations and president of the US-China Association for the Promotion of Peace and Friendship
Great power diplomacy, overseas Chinese are on the scene.
On that day, the five-star red flags were displayed in the wind, and everyone present was very excited. Our hearts are closely connected to our ancestral country. Lu Qiang, founding chairman of the Southern California Federation of Chinese Organizations and president of the US-China Association for the Promotion of Peace and Friendship, said.
On the afternoon of November 14, 2023 local time, China arrived in San Francisco, the United States, by special plane, and was invited to meet with Biden of the United States, and at the same time was invited to attend the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting. Late autumn in San Francisco is decorated with a warm red. Many overseas Chinese in the United States, dressed in red and holding red flags, spontaneously went to the airport and the meeting place to wait. At that time, Lu Qiang was also at the scene.
Everyone waved national flags and sang Chinese songs in unison, and many people burst into tears. I was deeply moved. Lu Qiang said, "It is the responsibility of every overseas Chinese and Chinese in the United States to give full play to the unique role of overseas Chinese, to be the 'glue' for the development of Sino-US relations, and to promote friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American peoples." ”
In November 2023, the 19th Chinese American Film Festival and Chinese American Television Festival will be held in Los Angeles, USA. During the event, the film and television personnel of the two countries will negotiate and cooperate. "Art knows no borders. As viewers, we look forward to strengthening our cooperation and producing more films and television works that are loved by the people of both countries. Lu Qiang said that in 1971, "a small ball turned a big ball" and "ping-pong diplomacy" opened the door to the normalization of Sino-US relations, writing a history of the positive development of Sino-US non-governmental exchanges, and hoped that such friendly exchanges could continue.
Over the years, people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States have never been interrupted. In 2023, after participating in many Sino-US people-to-people exchange activities, Lu Qiang is even more convinced that "the friendship between countries lies in the people-to-people relationship." We, the overseas Chinese and ethnic Chinese living in the United States, will certainly strive to be a bridge and link between the friendly exchanges between the two countries. ”
Lin Ruizhi, an 11th grade student at New Jinshan Chinese School in Australia——
The journey of root-seeking, the Chinese blood has been passed down from generation to generation.
What is the happiest thing to do in 2023?Lin Ruizhi, an 11th grade student at New Jinshan Chinese School in Australia, blurted out: "In September, I went to Fujian Province to participate in the 2023 'China Root-Seeking Tour' summer camp of 'World Heritage Quanzhou Yuejian Fengze'. ”
During the 11-day camp, Lin Ruizhi and more than 30 other Chinese teenagers went to Quanzhou, Xiamen, Zhangzhou and other places to visit Quanzhou Museum, Overseas Chinese History Museum, Quanzhou South Shaolin, Chen Jiageng Memorial Hall, Ao Garden, Nanjing Tulou, etc., to experience the world heritage culture, taste the customs of southern Fujian, and understand the love of overseas Chinese.
To this day, I still think about the days when I participated in the root-seeking tour in Fujian, and I miss the Quanzhou campus, Gulangyu Island and tulou stalls that I visited with my classmates. Lin Ruizhi will never forget the "hairpin flower wai" experience activity in Quanzhou Donghai Pupu Village, "The local sister skillfully inserted the flowers into the hairpin one by one, and every movement was careful, like a gorgeous dance performance." In the process, I felt as if I was in a dialogue with the flowers and with history. It was as if I had traveled back in time, walked into a small fishing village thousands of years ago, and worked with everyone to weave nets and fish, and plant hairpins. I not only felt the joy brought by hairpins, but also learned about the historical origin of the hairpins in Pupu. ”
Quanzhou's long history gave me the opportunity to experience China's cultural heritage up close. In the past, I didn't know what my grandparents used to say about the 'roots' of overseas Chinese, but now I have my own answer. Lin Ruizhi said.
Participating in the root-seeking journey has greatly improved Lin Ruizhi's Chinese speaking skills. "During the trip, I not only had Chinese conversations with my teachers and classmates, but also with passers-by, vendors and tour Chinese guides. Lin Ruizhi said, "My family is very happy to see that my Chinese is getting better and better." ”
Lin was born and raised in Australia. "My grandparents live with us, and I use Chinese to communicate with them at home. Lin Ruizhi's parents attach great importance to Chinese education, "Since I was 5 years old, I have been learning Chinese at Xinjinshan Chinese School. Every Saturday morning, my sister and I go to Chinese school after breakfast. The teachers are very professional, they give lively and interesting lectures, and they are very patient. I learned a lot of basic knowledge of Chinese, learned about the long-standing Chinese culture, and gradually fell in love with Chinese. ”
I am looking forward to going to China again to join the Roots-Seeking Tour. For the new year, Lin Ruizhi is full of longing, "I want to go to the ends of the world in Haitian Wonderland, to the ice-covered northern ice city, and to the pearl of the Orient that shines with colorful light......."I want to see China's beautiful rivers and mountains, to experience the splendid Chinese civilization in China's scenic spots, and to bring back to Australia what I have seen and heard. I would also like to study in Chinese schools, make friends with students of the same age, and promote cultural exchanges between China and Australia. ”
Huang Weiwen, President of the Panama Chinese Chamber of Commerce——
Go home and see the new development scene of your hometown.
The sky opens Qingyuan Gorge, and the earth turns to Ning Biwan. Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province, known as the "thoroughfare of the three provinces and the fortress of the Pearl River", is located in the Beijiang River surrounded by clear water. There are high-rise buildings on both sides of the Beijiang River, and the traffic is busy, which is a prosperous scene. "When I first left Qingyuan more than 30 years ago, it was still a small town. In 2023, Huang Weiwen, president of the Panama Chinese Entrepreneurs Association, returned to his hometown Qingyuan, standing on the bank of the familiar Beijiang River, with the river breeze blowing on his face, he sighed: "In a blink of an eye, Qingyuan has become a modern metropolis. It's moving too fast. ”
In 1989, 25-year-old Huang Weiwen left Qingyuan to start a business in Panama. He focuses on the foreign trade industry, bringing China's good goods to this country with shipping as its pillar industry. The busy shipping cargo ships of the Panama Canal often reminded him of the ferries in his hometown of Qingyuan. "When I see the cargo ships coming and going on the Panama Canal, I always think of my hometown, where there are also ships coming and going, and the clear water and blue sky. Huang Weiwen said.
In my memory, the Beijiang River is so wide and the distance between the two banks is so far. At that time, the Beijiang Bridge had not yet been completed, and Huang Weiwen and his family went to the county seat to run errands, mainly relying on river ferries. "The ferry is rudimentary and crowded. Who would have thought that the transportation on both sides of the Beijiang River is so convenient now. Huang Weiwen introduced that the Beijiang Bridge has already been opened to traffic, and the newly built highway and railway pass through the city, and the city's transportation network is becoming more and more perfect, and it is very convenient for residents to travel. "Qingyuan people no longer rely on ferries to travel. My hometown is becoming more and more prosperous, my motherland is getting stronger and stronger, and I feel very grounded overseas. ”
Far away in a foreign country, Huang Weiwen does not forget the construction of his hometown. In 2023, he will return to his hometown of Qingyuan. In addition to visiting relatives and friends who have not seen each other for several years, this trip is also to promote the investment projects that are about to land. "As the times progress, so will my foreign trade business. Now that we are in the age of the Internet, I want to broaden my sales channels and sell China's good goods through the Internet. At the end of 2023, the cross-border e-commerce project invested by Huang Weiwen was signed in his hometown, and his business map is about to usher in a new chapter. "Bringing Qingyuan's textiles and other products abroad reflects my strongest nostalgia. Huang Weiwen said.
Wu Binjiang, President of the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Canada——
Culture goes to sea, and traditional Chinese medicine culture shows its charm.
Sorry, today and tomorrow, the college schedule and clinic outpatient work are very tight, I will contact you after I am busy. "On the other side of the ocean, Wu Binjiang's message from the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada is busy.
In 2023, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada, Wu Binjiang led the college to hold the "10th 2023 Canadian Registered TCM Physician Acupuncturist Continuing Education Academic Conference" and 14 series of academic lectures related to TCM culture. "The conference and lectures are bilingual in Chinese and English, which meets the needs of TCM 'fans' of different ethnic groups in Canada. Wu Binjiang said that in the 25 years since the establishment of the hospital, the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine has trained hundreds of "foreign Chinese medicine" for the local area, and has become an influential local Chinese medicine education institution.
In August 2023, a delegation from the "World Committee of Experts on the Accreditation of TCM Specialties" conducted a third-party accreditation of the World TCM specialty to the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The delegation was sent by the Education Steering Committee of the World Federation of Chinese Materia Medica, and Zhang Boli, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, served as the leader. The Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine became the world's first overseas TCM school with third-party authoritative accreditation of the "World TCM Profession".
In 2023, with the unremitting efforts of Wu Binjiang and other TCM physicians, TCM education will make new progress in Canada. In January 2023, Ontario** and the Ontario TCM Acupuncturists Administration issued policies requiring acupuncturists and TCM practitioners to take exams in Chinese. In line with the implementation of this policy, the College has launched TCM acupuncture courses taught in Chinese. Wu Binjiang said.
Canada provides an open and inclusive space for the development of diverse cultures, including traditional Chinese medicine. Wu Binjiang said that at present, five provinces in Canada, including British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and Newfoundland, have legislated on the practice norms of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. More and more Canadians of all ethnic groups are gradually accepting and falling in love with TCM and acupuncture.
Talking about the plan for 2024, Wu Binjiang sent a document, which showed that he had applied to the local city where the college is located to be the last week of August 2024 as the "Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Week";In the summer of 2024, it is planned to organize students to go to China to participate in the clinical internship course of the Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and return to the pre-COVID training modeFurther improve the Senior TCM Physician Program, expand the global faculty lineup, and prepare for the 2025 Senior TCM Physician Title Conferral Program Approval AssessmentCooperate with Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to jointly prepare for the "2024 11th Canadian Academic Conference on Continuing Education ......for Registered TCM Physicians and Acupuncturists".
The work plan is full, and 2024 is destined to be another busy year for Wu Binjiang to promote traditional Chinese medicine culture.
Italian overseas Chinese Ye Huanxiong——
The economy is warming, and the overseas Chinese expo gathers together.
Authentic Italian coffee can be drunk in Aota. Ye Huanxiong, chairman of the Chinese National People's Republic of China and Qingtian Tormocha Coffee, has traveled between China and Italy all the year round to bring pure Italian coffee back to his hometown - Qingtian County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province.
In mid-November 2023, Qingtian, a small town with fragrant coffee, will become even more lively. The 5th Overseas Chinese Import Commodities Expo (hereinafter referred to as the "Overseas Chinese Expo") and the Qingtian Imported Wine Fair and the 3rd International Coffee Expo were held here, and Ye Huanxiong's coffee experience booth was one of the most lively places at the Overseas Chinese Expo. Many exhibitors came to his booth to taste coffee, including many returned overseas Chinese from Europe, just for the authentic "taste of Europe".
Our coffee comes from Europe from raw materials to production equipment, ensuring that the coffee taste is consistent with Europe. "My wish is to bring the original espresso back to China so that more people can taste it." ”
At the 2023 Overseas Chinese Expo, Ye Huanxiong has achieved a good harvest. "I have prepared about 15 tons of coffee beans, which I expect to sell out in 3 to 5 months. Ye Huanxiong said that the Expo allowed him to see the huge potential and bright prospects of China's coffee market, "small coffee beans contain great possibilities."
In 2014, by chance, Ye Huanxiong tasted authentic Italian espresso and felt the charm of coffee. His busy coffee life began. He first conducted research on the Chinese coffee market and found that Italian roasted coffee beans have great potential in the Chinese market. Subsequently, Ye Huanxiong began to contact Italian coffee manufacturers, and finally reached a cooperative relationship with the local brand Tormocha coffee in Milan, Italy.
In recent years, taking advantage of the East China Expo, Ye Huanxiong's coffee business has ushered in new opportunities. Driven by the Overseas Chinese Expo, the ** department of Qingtian County proposed to focus on the development of the coffee industry, and Ye Huanxiong saw an opportunity from it. With the increase in the popularity of Qingtian Coffee, Ye Huanxiong's coffee business is gradually on the right track and has been recognized by more and more consumers. At present, there are more than 400 cafes in Qingtian, and the average daily coffee consumption is 150,000 cups, with an average annual consumption of 80 tons of coffee beans.
The Italian taste hides the "code to get rich". Ye Huanxiong said: "Qingtian's coffee industry relies on overseas Chinese to develop and grow. In China in 2023, the coffee industry is booming, the market is broad, and the future is promising. Doing coffee business in China is more confident. ”
*: People's ** Overseas Edition.