On October 21, Director Lee Chih-chiang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York hosted a thank-you banquet in Manhattan’s Chinatown to express gratitude for the contributions of the traditional overseas Chinese community during the Republic of China’s 113th Double Tenth National Day celebrations. At the same event, he presented a flag to the visiting delegation from the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA).
During this year’s Double Tenth celebrations, under the leadership of the CCBA, the New York traditional overseas Chinese community organized a flag-raising ceremony, a grand celebration, and a parade. They also paid tribute to the statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Columbus Park by offering flowers. Director Lee organized the banquet as a gesture of appreciation for their efforts.
In reflecting on his first year in New York, Lee noted that he participated in six Double Tenth celebrations across various locations, highlighting that the event in Manhattan was the largest and most spirited of them all. He emphasized that this enthusiasm is rarely seen in other regions, which showcases not only the significant size of the overseas Chinese community in New York but also their profound emotional connection to the Republic of China. Additionally, CCBA President Chu Chao-jan, who organized the national day event for the first time this year, acknowledged the success of the celebrations and expressed gratitude for the support from the Taipei Office and various Chinese community organizations.
Following the Double Tenth celebrations, the Overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China extended an invitation for the CCBA delegation to visit Taiwan. This trip aims to strengthen ties between the overseas community and their homeland while gaining insights into the latest political, economic, and cultural developments in Taiwan. The delegation will travel to Taiwan from October 28 to November 2, led by President Chu, with Vice President Wu Chien-shih of the New York Taishan Ningyang Association, and Secretary Cai Wei-yi from the CCBA. The group comprises 37 members, including CCBA advisor Tseng Wei-kang, New York Hung Mun Chih Kung Tang President Li Yong-ming, and Committee Member Chen Shang-jen from the Kuomintang’s Eastern U.S. branch.
The banquet was attended by several notable guests, including Deputy Director Chang Li-hsien of the Taipei Office, Chen Yong-feng, the director of the New York Chinese Cultural and Educational Center, and representatives from various Chinese community organizations along with their families.
