The press conference for the "Civilization Dialogue Across Mountains and Oceans - Kinship China: Shared Roots, Henan and Overseas Chinese" Cultural Gala, together with the 15th-anniversary celebration events of the Australia Northeast Chinese Association, was held on September 12 at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney. The conference was jointly hosted by the China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the Henan Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. Over 100 representatives from political, business, cultural, and overseas Chinese communities from both China and Australia gathered for the occasion. Distinguished guests included: Cui Shangze, President of the Australia Northeast Chinese Association, Cui Xiyuan, President of the Australia Henan Youth Chamber of Commerce, Wang Hao, President of the Australia Henan Youth Association, Ren Zeyan, President of the Northern Six Provinces Alliance, Xie Xiongming, Chairman of the Australia China Charity Foundation, Wang Yongchao, President of the Australia China Young Entrepreneurs Association, Wang Jianzhong, President of the Australia Changle Chamber of Commerce, Yao Hongbing, President of the Australia Sydney Nanjing Chamber of Commerce, Deng Shaoyong, President of the Australia Sydney Jiangmen Wuyi Youth Association.
Broad Participation Builds Consensus
The event was hosted by the China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the Henan Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. It was organized by Henan Radio and Television's Elephant International Communication Center, the Zhengzhou Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the Australia Henan Youth Association, and the Australia Northeast Chinese Association. Support was provided by co-organizers including the Australia Henan Association, the Australia Henan Youth Chamber of Commerce, and the Australia China Young Entrepreneurs Association. Special thanks were extended to media representatives and leaders of overseas Chinese communities for their presence and support, which greatly enhanced the cohesion and impact of the event.
Voices of Overseas Chinese Representatives
At the press conference, Cui Shangze, President of the Australia Northeast Chinese Association, and Wang Hao, President of the Australia Henan Youth Association, delivered speeches. Cui emphasized the Association's ongoing role as a bridge to unite overseas Chinese, serve society, and promote cultural exchanges between China and Australia. Wang shared insights into the development of the Australia Henan Youth Association and highlighted the importance of youth taking an active role in fostering communication and mutual support between the two nations.
Corporate Support and Social Collaboration
The organizers expressed gratitude to the following enterprises for their strong support: Yutong Bus, Jarrah Capital, McConnellBourn, Broker Bridge, Loan One, Stonemart, and Glorylink Renovation Center. Their sponsorship provided vital impetus for Sino-Australian cultural exchange, underscoring the important role businesses play in promoting multicultural dialogue and mutual learning. The event also issued an open invitation for broader community participation to advance global understanding of Chinese culture and facilitate intercultural exchange.
A Shared Vision for Cultural Exchange
It was announced that the "Kinship China: Shared Roots, Henan and Overseas Chinese" Cultural Gala will take place on November 2, 2025, at the Sydney Town Hall. The event will feature performances by renowned artists and groups showcasing the unique charm of the Central Plains culture. Highlights will include: Konghou performer Lu Lu, acclaimed for blending traditional and modern musical elements and recognized as a key figure in promoting the internationalization of konghou art; Suona shawm artist Chuanzi (Sun Mingchuan), famous for integrating traditional Chinese instruments with electronic and pop music, with a massive following of 6 million fans and a widely popular work titledWhen Suona Meets EDM; A martial arts demonstration by the Songshan Shaolin Martial Arts College, affiliated with the renowned Zhengzhou Shaolin Tagou Education Group - the largest martial arts education institution in China, which has performed at the Beijing Olympics opening and closing ceremonies and the CCTV Spring Festival Gala 22 times. The program will also include segments featuring Australian Indigenous culture, Indian dance, and African drumming, weaving together themes of human-nature harmony, ancient elegance, and rhythmic energy to create a rich dialogue of multicultural exchange and integration. A "Mobile Culture Museum" will be set up to allow audiences to experience intangible cultural heritage crafts from the Central Plains up close.
Attendees expressed that culture connects hearts and minds. This event will not only allow overseas Chinese to appreciate the uniqueness of Central Plains culture but also strengthen their pride in Chinese heritage. Through artistic performances, community interaction, and multicultural displays, the gala will highlight the inclusiveness and vitality of Chinese culture, fostering deeper understanding and friendship between Chinese and Australian communities and adding new momentum to mutual learning and people-to-people ties. (Translator: Liu Hui)
