East-West Question丨Huang Guohui- Overseas Chinese promote the spread of China’s National Day overseas

**Interview with Huang Guohui: Promoting China’s National Day Among Overseas Chinese Communities**

**Reporter: Xu Wenxin, China News Service**

China’s National Day is not only a significant public holiday in China but also gaining importance internationally. The overseas Chinese community plays a crucial role in this process, organizing and taking part in various activities that celebrate National Day across the globe.

**Reporter:** Can you share how overseas Chinese celebrate China’s National Day and why this tradition is important?

**Huang Guohui:** Overseas Chinese commemorate National Day through a variety of meaningful activities, including flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and parades. Influential patriots and community leaders often share National Day messages in major local newspapers, while Chinese-language media creates special programming to highlight China’s progress and achievements.

These events are essential for overseas Chinese to express their emotional connections to their homeland and preserve Chinese culture. National Day embodies cultural identity and reflects a deep yearning for China, thereby fostering unity among community members and promoting international friendships. For those living between two cultures, this day offers a way to balance their dual identities, allowing them to express their sentiments about China and deepen their understanding of Chinese culture through various activities.

**Reporter:** The Chinese government invites overseas Chinese to take part in National Day celebrations each year. How do these events help strengthen ties within overseas Chinese communities?

**Huang Guohui:** The invitation for overseas Chinese to participate in National Day celebrations demonstrates the Chinese government’s recognition and concern for expatriates. It also showcases China’s growth and deepens their connection to the country.

I had the honor of attending the 70th anniversary celebrations of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing back in 2019. There, I witnessed the rapid economic growth, rich culture, and unique harmony within China’s diversity, along with its expanding global influence. Experiencing these moments expanded my perspective on China and encouraged me to make more frequent trips between the two countries to promote educational collaboration.

These celebrations provide opportunities for overseas Chinese to meet representatives from various countries and sectors, facilitating exchanges and opening doors for career development.

**Reporter:** During National Day, we often see traditional performances like lion dancing, opera, and martial arts both in China and abroad. How do these vibrant celebrations enhance the international community’s understanding of Chinese culture?

**Huang Guohui:** Traditional performances during National Day are crucial for showcasing the richness of Chinese culture and fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Lion dancing, opera, and martial arts are iconic representations of Chinese heritage, vividly demonstrating its uniqueness.

By blending traditional arts with modern elements, we not only highlight the ongoing innovation within Chinese culture but also its dynamic nature to an international audience. These performances transcend language barriers, utilizing powerful visual and emotional expressions that resonate universally, thereby promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and building friendships between nations.

**Reporter:** National Day typically features a seven-day holiday, creating a peak travel season for Chinese citizens. What opportunities does this present for overseas tourism sectors?

**Huang Guohui:** National Day is one of China’s Golden Weeks, providing an excellent opportunity for travel and tourism, which can significantly benefit overseas tourism industries.

China ranks as one of the highest international tourism spenders, and outside of ASEAN countries, it is Malaysia’s largest source of tourists. The National Day holiday is a prime opportunity for cultural and tourism sectors in various regions.

In Malaysia, for instance, several initiatives have been launched to attract Chinese tourists, including visa exemptions, streamlined entry processes, increased flight frequencies, and the integration of payment options like Alipay and WeChat. Additionally, Chinese services and a variety of cultural and culinary experiences are available at airports and key tourist spots.

The influx of Chinese tourists boosts revenue in the hospitality sector while also stimulating related markets like dining, transport, entertainment, and accommodation, helping the world recognize the benefits of China’s development and its increasingly collaborative relationships with countries.

**Reporter:** How aware are Malaysians of China’s National Day, and how does it serve as a bridge for cultural exchanges in Malaysia?

**Huang Guohui:** Malaysia is one of the countries where Chinese education is widely embraced, and the presence of Chinese culture is quite strong. Various ethnic groups in Malaysia value and engage with Chinese culture, as evidenced by the rise in non-Chinese individuals enrolling in Chinese-language schools.

Chinese culture is deeply embedded in Malaysian society, leading to growing familiarity with National Day celebrations among locals. The promotion of Chinese education from kindergarten to higher education provides a systematic platform for transmitting Chinese culture. Chinese language schools not only focus on language acquisition but also offer insights into Chinese history, geography, calligraphy, and martial arts.

Community groups also play a vital role by regularly hosting cultural events such as Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Furthermore, the integration of Chinese culture in businesses like restaurants, traditional medicine clinics, and martial arts schools creates additional avenues for cultural exchange.

With policy support for multiculturalism and media promotion in Malaysia, there is an encouraging environment for disseminating Chinese culture. Local Chinese media, television stations, and online platforms are instrumental in reporting Chinese news and promoting cultural education.

**Interviewee Background:**
Huang Guohui serves as the Executive Vice President of the Sarawak Chinese Friendship Association in Malaysia, is a director at the Huang Wenbin Group, and is a visiting professor at Northwest University in China. He is dedicated to promoting goodwill between China and Malaysia and has previously chaired the committee for the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, along with holding board membership in the World Chinese Newspaper Association.