A Joyful Reunion, Anticipated from Afar

Pan Yue

Director of Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of China

Dear overseas Chinese friends,

Today is the Beginning of Spring. On behalf of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of China, I would like to extend my sincere regards and best wishes to overseas Chinese and returned overseas Chinese, as well as their families. I wish you all a happy Spring Festival and a healthy family!

2020 was a year for China to move forward despite heavy burdens. In the face of the sudden outbreak of the pandemic, the whole country has stayed united to overcome the difficulties and gained strategic achievements in containing COVID-19. China has created a safe, pure land for one-fifth of the world's population. On the other hand, international countercurrents have not hindered the Chinese government's commitment to the world and to the people. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) for 15 Asia-Pacific countries and the China-EU Investment Agreement have upheld multilateralism and free trade.

The year 2020 was also a tough year for overseas Chinese. The cruel virus has disrupted their lives and done them severe economic damage. Some overseas Chinese have also encountered pride and prejudice, and even suffered discrimination and harm. You've had a hard time! We are grateful for your efforts. We honor your strength. Although we are thousands of miles away, we will always miss you. We will do our best to implement policies to benefit and comfort overseas Chinese.

At present, international exchanges are in a special period. The pandemic has shown different outcomes from different cultural values and traditions in social governance, and caused conflicts between different ideologies.The more conflicts we face, the more dialogues we need. At this moment, we should further promote in-depth exchanges between different civilizations and speak clearly about the value of harmony in Chinese civilization, which has a bearing not only on the mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations, but also on the future well-being of overseas Chinese.

Dear overseas Chinese friends,

As President Xi Jinping stated, Chinese civilization, with a history of more than 5,000 years, is a powerful spiritual force for the nation to strive for self-improvement and grow stronger. No matter where our compatriots live, Chinese culture will always be the common spiritual gene for the Chinese all over the world to share.

History has proved that Chinese civilization is open rather than closed, inclusive rather than exclusive, moderate rather than extreme, peaceful rather than warlike. We pursue a common cause and transcend separate governance. We adhere to civil administration and resist wanton military ventures. We do not want to impose our own values on others. We stand for harmonious coexistence and resolve confrontation and estrangement. Chinese civilization has weathered countless vicissitudes, while maintaining its historical composure. Despite headwinds and water cuts, the dialogues among civilizations will continue to surge over perilous shoals and eventually merge into the spring water that coexists in diversity.

History has repeatedly proved that at every critical moment, overseas Chinese have made a unique,indelible contribution to their motherland and played an irreplaceable role in exchanges between China and other foreign countries.

History will prove that in every foreign land, overseas Chinese will contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Looking forward to the new year, the world is still in flux. But we will continue to move firmly toward our goal and safeguard the fundamental interests of overseas Chinese, returned overseas Chinese and their families.

Winter shall pass, and spring shall come. We send a message of peace and care to the 60 million overseas compatriots. Though thousands of miles apart, we anticipate a joyful reunion. I wish you all a happy Chinese New Year in advance.

Thank you!