On September 25, a significant event titled “I Love You, China – A Story Sharing Event Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 45th Anniversary of the Film ‘Overseas Chinese’” was held in Guangzhou. This gathering drew experts and scholars from around the globe, alongside young entrepreneurs from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese students returning to China, as well as representatives from various universities in Guangdong.

The film “Overseas Chinese,” which was produced by the Pearl River Film Studio, made its nationwide debut in 1979. Its iconic theme song, “I Love You, China,” quickly struck a chord with Chinese people everywhere, inspiring generations to work towards the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The story-sharing session centered on the theme “I Love You, China,” encouraging participants from diverse fields to share their personal narratives of love for their homeland. The goal was to help younger generations grasp the essence of patriotism, while promoting a sense of national identity and traditional values.

Huang Yuzhen, Deputy Minister of the Guangdong Provincial United Front Work Department and President of the Guangdong Provincial United Front Theory Research Association, underlined the significance of reflecting on the classic film “Overseas Chinese” and the enduring impact of its song. He expressed gratitude to overseas Chinese and all those who have played a role in national rejuvenation, urging the younger audience to cherish these classics, strengthen their national identity, and foster a love for their country.

Chen Yiqi, Deputy General Manager of the Pearl River Film Group, emphasized Guangdong’s wealth of artistic inspiration, particularly through Overseas Chinese culture, which he described as one of the province’s most representative and influential cultural treasures. He explained that the Pearl River Film Group is dedicated to creating content that showcases the region’s rich traditional culture, revolutionary heritage, and the dynamic developments within the Greater Bay Area.

Lin Shaohua, the 82-year-old President of the Sarawak Chinese Academic Research Association in Malaysia, shared her poignant experiences interviewing overseas Chinese workers and co-authoring books with her late husband. During the event, she recounted her quest to connect with surviving overseas Chinese laborers and expressed her commitment to honor her husband’s wish to raise awareness about their history.

Another participant, Nguyen Thi Kim Ly, a Vietnamese student at Jinan University, reflected on her journey of learning Chinese and developing a profound appreciation for Chinese culture. She described the story-sharing event as deeply impactful and shared her aspiration to foster friendship between Vietnam and China as she continues her studies in China.