In France, Chinese expats stay connected to their roots

Zhu Xiaolin, president of the Association of Henan Compatriots in France, highlighted the positive impact of the healthy and stable development of China-France relations on people-to-people exchanges.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France. Zhu emphasized that the deepening cooperation between the two nations has facilitated advancements in various sectors, including the economy, trade, science, technology and culture.

In 2002, Zhu established the association to serve as a bridge connecting Chinese individuals with their roots in Henan province.

Having lived in France for nearly 23 years, Zhu expressed her gratitude for China's achievements on behalf of expatriates as it fosters mutual understanding and recognition between the two countries.

Chinese people in France are gaining more respect and more business opportunities with policy support such as China's 15-day visa-free entry for short-term French visitors and France's provision of five-year visas for Chinese holders of master's degree who studied in France.

In addition, Henan has become more confident in recent years. She said: "The confidence is rooted in the rich tapestry of Henan's cultural heritage. Often referred to as the cradle of Chinese civilization, it boasts a history that spans millennia and is steeped in culture, art and philosophy."

By promoting the exchange of agricultural products, wines and business ventures, the association has bolstered cultural ties between regions, Zhu added.

She has been attending the ancestor worship ceremony for Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor, in Xinzheng, Henan province, since 2006. She said the Yellow Emperor, also known as Xuanyuan, was believed to be the leader of the ancient Huaxia tribal alliance and the progenitor of Chinese civilization.

Zhu said this identity strengthen the bond between overseas Chinese communities and their heritage in Henan, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural continuity across borders.

She also mentioned that there are many opportunities for cooperation in culture and education in the future. As president of the International Institute for Intelligent Family Education, Zhu mainly focused on educational innovation for the development of the next generation of talent. She highlighted that her long-term living and working experiences in France enriched her perspective and greatly inspired her in the field of education.

Zhu Xiaolin, president of the Association of Henan Compatriots in France. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]