Beijing – The 2019 Global Overseas Chinese Annual Awards ceremony took place in Beijing on January 8th, recognizing outstanding individuals within the global Chinese diaspora. Even as figures like businessman Chen Yongcai, media executive Fang Li Bangqin, architect I.M. Pei, composer Gu Jianfen and mathematician Qiu Chengtong received “2019 Global Overseas Chinese Annual Person” honors, a special tribute was given to the pilots of the South East Asian Overseas Chinese Aviation Group – a group whose contributions during a critical period in Chinese history are being remembered.
The awards, hosted by China News Service, highlighted the significant impact of overseas Chinese communities worldwide. The recognition of the South East Asian pilots coincided with the 80th anniversary of their service to China, a period marked by immense national challenge.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, as coastal ports fell and transportation networks were disrupted, a critical necessitate arose for pilots and mechanics to support the war effort. Responding to a call to action issued by patriotic leader Chen Jiageng in 1939, over 3,200 young overseas Chinese volunteers – primarily from Southeast Asian nations – abandoned comfortable lives to return to China and assist in the resistance against Japanese aggression. These individuals formed the core of the South East Asian Overseas Chinese Aviation Group, providing vital logistical support on the front lines.
The decision to bestow a special tribute upon these pilots acknowledges not only their bravery and sacrifice but likewise the broader history of overseas Chinese support for China during times of crisis. The award recognizes a generation that willingly traded stability for service, embodying a deep commitment to their ancestral homeland.
Alongside the pilots, the “2019 Global Overseas Chinese Annual Person” awards celebrated a diverse range of achievements. Chen Yongcai, chairman of Philippine Airlines, was recognized for his business leadership. Fang Li Bangqin, a US-based media mogul, was honored for her entrepreneurial spirit and patriotic contributions. Mathematician Qiu Chengtong, a Fields Medal recipient and professor at Harvard University, was acknowledged for his work in advancing mathematical research. The late I.M. Pei, a renowned architect, and Gu Jianfen, a celebrated composer who returned to China, were also among the honorees.
Other recipients included Wang Wenjiao, recognized for his contributions to the development of badminton in China; Wu Shiqing, a lifetime honorary director of the World Trade Center Association; Lin Shuhau, a Chinese-American basketball player currently playing for the Beijing Ducks in the CBA; Lin Haiyan, chairman of the Mauritius Chinatown Fund; and the Huaxing Arts Group, dedicated to promoting Chinese culture overseas.
Fang Li Bangqin, while accepting her award, spoke of her commitment to establishing an overseas museum dedicated to the Sino-Japanese War. She emphasized the importance of reminding the world of China’s role in the Allied victory against fascism, stating, “I seek to establish an anti-Japanese war memorial overseas to notify the world that China contributed to the world’s victory against fascism.”
Qiu Chengtong, reflecting on the progress of mathematics in China, expressed optimism about the future. “China has set a lot of effort into developing mathematics, and now Chinese mathematics is developing very rapidly,” he said, adding his commitment to supporting the growth of young mathematicians.
The “2019 Global Overseas Chinese Annual Awards” were organized by China News Service, combining media perspectives, expert opinions, and public input to highlight significant events and recognize outstanding individuals within the global Chinese community. The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between the Chinese diaspora and their homeland, and the vital contributions they continue to make to both China and the wider world.
The recognition of the South East Asian pilots, in particular, offers a poignant reminder of a lesser-known chapter in the Second Sino-Japanese War – a testament to the unwavering support of overseas Chinese communities during a time of national peril. Their story underscores the deep cultural ties and patriotic fervor that motivated a generation to return home and fight for their country.
Looking ahead, the legacy of the South East Asian pilots continues to inspire. Their dedication serves as a powerful example of the enduring strength and resilience of the Chinese diaspora, and their contributions will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
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