By the end of 2022, Guangdong Province was home to over 30 million overseas Chinese, representing more than half of China's total overseas Chinese population, spreading across more than 160 countries and regions. Among them, many have established roots in foreign lands through their hard work and perseverance, expanding their businesses and helping to unite fellow overseas Chinese. These individuals have gradually become community leaders, known as "Qiao ling" (overseas Chinese leaders).
Over the past decades, these overseas Chinese leaders have actively participated in domestic affairs, contributing both financially and through their efforts to promote economic and cultural exchanges between China and other countries. Having lived abroad for many years, they have witnessed China's economic rise. What are their experiences and aspirations? Let's listen to what these overseas Chinese leaders have to say.
No matter how far one travels, one should never forget the path that led them there.
For Liang Guanjun, President of the United Federation of Chinese Associations in Eastern USA, who has spent forty years working abroad, hometown memories are deeply rooted in the bustling Dragon Boat Festival races, the jubilant Spring Festival flower markets, and the iconic Canton Tower (nicknamed "Little Pretty Waist"). Most importantly, these memories are tied to family and friends back home.
Xue Fangliang, Executive Chairman of the UK Lingnan Business and Commerce Association, proudly calls himself "a hundred percent Guangzhou native." Despite living in England for many years, he maintains what he calls a "Kapok Flower sentiment" in his heart. "Sometimes, homeland is embodied in a bowl of congee, a plate of noodles, or a greeting in Cantonese while living abroad. These simple things constantly remind you not to forget your roots," he says.
"Forgive me for being wild and free-spirited all my life..." Zhong Jian, President of the Guangdong Chinese Association in Sweden, still remembers the nights during his overseas studies when he would quietly cry under his blanket while listening to Beyond's "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies." For him, homeland represents the deepest connection between life and emotion.
While business grows, our homeland becomes better and better
While overseas Chinese leaders forge ahead abroad, China has been experiencing rapid development.
China's transformation has been comprehensive. From a nation once mired in poverty to becoming the world's second-largest economy, these changes bring pride and satisfaction to overseas Chinese leaders as well as presenting new opportunities.
"In recent years, there has been increasing recognition and exploration of Chinese traditional culture and intangible cultural heritage," says Wang Xue, who lives in the United States. In 2018, she discovered Xiangyunsha (a traditional silk fabric) from Guangzhou through a chance encounter. The following year, she returned to Guangzhou to start a business, dedicating herself to preserving and protecting this traditional craft. Today, she is experiencing a "second spring" in her career in Guangzhou.
The homeland's development and support provide overseas Chinese leaders with confidence in their business ventures.
"Our domestic business environment keeps improving. Governments at all levels offer assistance and support for our investments," observes Zhong Jinming, President of the Panama Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He notes that with the development of domestic manufacturing, the quality of Chinese exports has significantly improved while defect rates have decreased.
Guangdong: Both origin and destination
How do second and third-generation overseas Chinese born abroad view their ancestral homeland?
Fang Xianqiu, President of the France Panyu Fushan Society, has unique insights. Born in Vietnam 80 years ago before his family immigrated to France, he was middle-aged when visiting his ancestral home in Panyu. Upon visiting his father's private school during his childhood, seeing the local landscape, and hearing the familiar dialect, he felt a powerful force transcending time and space, connecting him deeply with his father.
"Young people should remember their roots, always remember that they are Chinese people, and remember they come from Guangdong," says Fang Xianqiu.
Zhong Jinming shares similar sentiments after forty years abroad. He has always insisted that younger generations should learn Chinese, encouraging them to "visit home" frequently. Today, his young granddaughter studies in Guangzhou.
Homeland is not just about roots; it's also a fertile ground for realizing dreams. Liang Guanjun is confident in Guangdong's development. He notes, "Whether considering demographic dividends or high technology, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is the most dynamic and opportunity-rich among the world's four major bay areas."
Greater capability brings greater responsibility
Looking to the future, overseas Chinese leaders have many plans in motion.
"Cantonese is a crucial emotional bond connecting Guangdong natives worldwide," says Cai Jiayi, President of the Western Australia Guangdong Association and Chamber of Commerce, who is currently planning to establish a Cantonese language school in Australia.
At 80, Fang Xianqiu remains actively involved in Franco-Chinese exchange activities. "This is a golden period in our homeland's development. I hope to continue leveraging the strength of our Panyu Fushan Society in France to actively participate in nation-building and share the Chinese dream with more overseas Chinese," he says.
Zhong Jinming aims to bring more young Chinese descendants home to "seek their roots"; Xue Fangliang, after practicing medicine in the UK for thirty years, has returned to his hometown Guangzhou to start a business; Zhong Jian, who has lived in Sweden for 15 years, now focuses on introducing global friends to Guangdong's attractions.
All these aspirations can be summed up in one sentence—
"Let's just do it! Contribute what we can, whether it's money or effort!" Wang Xue says with a smile.
Interview | Meng Jian, Gong Chunhui
Copywriter | Meng Jian
Operations | Huang Xinying, Chen Longyan, Feng Huiting, Jiang Chang
English Editor | Liu Lingzhi, Wei Shen, Huang Qini
Overall Coordination | Lu Yi, Xie Miaofeng, Zeng Qiang, Qi Lei, Ouyang Yan
Planner | Wang Xiyong, Cao Si, Zhao Yang, Wang Haijun
