Vice Chairman Ruan Zhaoxiong of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission visited Orange County on March 4th (Tuesday) and received a warm welcome from the local community. A welcome dinner was jointly organized by the overseas Chinese community in Orange County, with attendance from Jyi Chyn-yau, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, Xiao Beiru, Director of the Orange County Overseas Chinese Center, as well as leaders of various overseas Chinese organizations including the Taiwan Association of Orange County, the Taiwan American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, the Orange County Chinese Lion Club, the Overseas Chinese Women’s Club of Orange County, and the Formosan Association for Public Affairs – Orange County Chapter.
Ruan Zhaoxiong praised the frequent cultural activities organized by the overseas Chinese community in Orange County, which have enhanced Taiwan’s international visibility. The Taiwan Traditional Week series of events in Orange County has become the most distinctive cultural promotion activity in the local community. He expressed gratitude to his compatriots for their active involvement in serving the overseas Chinese community and integrating into mainstream society to enhance the status and rights of overseas Chinese nationals, ultimately supporting the Republic of China.
Jyi Chyn-yau expressed admiration for the support of the overseas Chinese in Orange County for the Republic of China and their strong affinity towards Taiwan. Over the years, the community has demonstrated outstanding performance in organizing activities, gaining recognition and participation from the mainstream community, showcasing the achievements of overseas Chinese in promoting national diplomacy. Xiao Beiru also thanked the overseas Chinese in Orange County for their support and encouragement in overseas Chinese affairs.
The dinner was hosted by Ye Xu-min, a member of the Committee for Overseas Chinese Affairs Promotion, and Zhang Shuhua, a consultant on overseas Chinese affairs, performed the classic English song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Her emotional interpretation added liveliness to the atmosphere of the evening, symbolizing the courage of Taiwan’s overseas Chinese in overcoming challenges and maintaining hope for a brighter future.
Committee member Chen Qigeng introduced that this year’s Taiwan Traditional Week in Orange County will officially kick off on April 26th, featuring food tastings and a performance of Pili puppetry by the Guangxingge Puppet Troupe. He also invited overseas Chinese in Southern California to participate in the Major League Baseball “Taiwan Day” event at Angel Stadium on May 1st.
The Taiwan Traditional Week activities will also include appreciation of Taiwanese classical music and Taiwanese opera, medical lectures, a performance by the Ten Drum Art Percussion Group entitled “Dynamic Taiwan”, and a photography exhibition showcasing the beauty and tourism of Yilan, Taiwan. In addition to arts appreciation, there will also be intellectual medical seminars to introduce the soft and hard power of Taiwanese culture to the mainstream population of Orange County.
Honorary members of overseas Chinese affairs from Los Angeles County and local community leaders also attended the dinner, welcoming Ruan Zhaoxiong’s visit to Southern California and demonstrating the unity within the overseas Chinese community and their support for the Republic of China and Taiwan.