About 100 miles away from southern China is Taiwan, a nation that recognizes itself as independent, yet China claims it as its territory. Despite the ongoing tension between the two sides, recent efforts to promote understanding and cultural ties have been made. The Hawaii Chinese Chamber of Commerce has been organizing annual trips to China, fostering aloha and awareness in the region.
These trips, which started decades ago, aim to bridge the gap between the Chinese people and Americans. While conflicts and differences persist on a national level, these exchanges at the local level are crucial in fostering mutual understanding. What happens at the national level and at the top levels of government are completely different, probably much more distorted, much more volatile, but at the local level, these trips are actually very important, said Russell Lau of the Hawaii Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
The Hawaiian delegation emphasizes the importance of looking beyond preconceived ideas about a country and its people. It is crucial to understand a nation beyond what is portrayed in the news or on social media. The trips have highlighted the diversity of the world and the value of embracing differences. The world is diverse, it’s different, and I think it’s okay to have differences. If everyone is the same, how boring is that? shared Fujian resident Ying Ying Chen.
One major challenge faced currently is the decline in Chinese visitors to Hawaii due to stricter visa requirements and the lack of direct flights. However, success stories of Chinese immigrants in Hawaii continue to inspire. Individuals like Jack Zhang, who came to Hawaii in 2005 with a dream of starting his own business, now own several restaurants. Peter Shi, who arrived in Honolulu in the 1980s, went from being a dishwasher to a successful business owner. These stories highlight the determination and hard work ingrained in the Fujianese community.
As US-China relations experience fluctuations, these cultural exchanges and efforts to strengthen international relations play a significant role. The hope is that just as the ocean ebbs and flows, warmer relations between the two nations will be restored in the future.
For those who missed the 10-part Hawaii News Now Journey to China, Hawaiis Connection series, it is available for viewing online.
In conclusion, despite the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, initiatives like the annual trips organized by the Hawaii Chinese Chamber of Commerce continue to foster cultural understanding and strengthen international relations. These local efforts provide a vital counterbalance to the conflicts and differences seen at the national level. It is crucial to look beyond preconceived ideas and stereotypes about countries and people, embracing the diversity of the world. While challenges exist, success stories of Chinese immigrants in Hawaii serve as a reminder of the determination and hard work that can lead to a better future. With hope, US-China relations will eventually warm up again, just as the ocean ebbs and flows.
