On the 19th, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Los Angeles (CCBA) held a grand welcoming ceremony at its headquarters to receive Director-General Ma Po-yuan and his wife from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles. Following the ceremony, a banquet was hosted in their honor at the Golden Dragon Restaurant. Earlier that morning, guests gathered at the entrance of the CCBA building to welcome the visitors and pose for commemorative photographs. Over one hundred leaders representing various overseas Chinese organizations—including those from traditional communities, new immigrant groups, refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, as well as the Korean-Chinese community—attended the welcoming reception and luncheon, creating a lively and warm atmosphere.
In his welcoming remarks, CCBA President Nie Ze-ying expressed his delight that Director-General Ma Po-yuan had taken the time to visit so shortly after assuming his new post, noting that this gesture fully demonstrated his high regard and concern for the overseas Chinese community. On behalf of the CCBA’s School Board, Cemetery Committee, and Welfare Committee—as well as the 27 affiliated organizations under its jurisdiction—President Nie extended his most sincere welcome to Director-General Ma and his wife, expressing his hope for continued and deepened exchanges and cooperation in the future.
President Nie pointed out that the history of the CCBA dates back to 1889, spanning well over a century. He highlighted the contributions of the Association’s various committees: the Cemetery Committee, established over a century ago, purchased land to create a burial ground for Chinese immigrants, thereby breaking down barriers of ethnic discrimination; the School Board founded the Los Angeles Chinese School, which has nurtured countless outstanding Chinese-American youths; and the Welfare Committee is dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of the overseas Chinese community. He stated that throughout its journey—from supporting Sun Yat-sen’s revolution and raising funds for the War of Resistance against Japan to its ongoing community service today—the CCBA has consistently upheld the spirit of patriotism and love for the homeland, while steadfastly supporting the Republic of China.
In his address, Director-General Ma Po-yuan expressed his deep honor at being able to visit the CCBA, an institution steeped in profound historical heritage, and acknowledged the overseas Chinese community’s long-standing support for and contributions to Taiwan. He commended the Association for the pivotal role it plays in uniting the overseas Chinese community, promoting cultural preservation, and providing community services. Furthermore, he expressed his hope to maintain close ties with the various overseas Chinese organizations in the future, working together to advance overseas Chinese affairs and foster diverse forms of cooperation, ultimately enhancing the mainstream society’s understanding and appreciation of the Chinese community.
