AFROC chairman vows to perfect overseas Chinese affairs in 2019

Wan Lijun, Chairman of the AFROC (Photo/ People's Daily Online)

On Feb. 1, 2019, four days before the upcoming Spring Festival, Wan Lijun, chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (AFROC) delivered a New Year speech extending greetings to returned overseas Chinese and their relatives, as well as Chinese people living abroad.

During his speech, Wan noted the significant achievements China made last year, including the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the development of the Yangtze Economic Belt, and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay.

“Around 10 million people in rural areas of China were lifted out of poverty in 2018, creating a sense of fulfillment and happiness for Chinese people,” Wan said.

During his speech, Wan emphasized the pivotal support from the Party throughout the development of the AFROC. “With President Xi presiding the opening ceremony of the 10th National Congress of Returned Overseas Chinese and their Relatives in Beijing last year, the Communist Party of China (CPC) showed its commitment to providing a fundamental guideline for affairs relating to returning overseas Chinese," he said.

In regards to enhancing the dialogue between Chinese and foreign culture, Wan mentioned the summer boot camp and overseas Chinese writing competition held by the AFROC, which provided foreign-born Chinese an opportunity to experience the beauty of Chinese culture.

Wan also applauded efforts made by returned overseas Chinese and their relatives and Chinese people living abroad throughout the 70 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The last 70 years not only saw great achievements made by returned overseas Chinese and Chinese people living abroad, but also the contribution they have made to the development of reform and opening-up,” noted Wan.

Wan expressed his anticipation for the AFROC to serve overseas Chinese better in the coming year, to secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, working tirelessly to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation and building a community with a shared future for humankind.

“Sow in the spring and reap in the fall, ” said Wan, adding “to fulfill greater achievements to celebrate the 70th year of the founding of the People's Republic of China we need to dare to dream and strive for better outcomes in the New Era.”