On the evening of October 9, the Philadelphia Chinese Association hosted a vibrant celebration at the Oriental Pearl Restaurant, commemorating the success of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Xinhai Revolution, the founding of the Republic of China 113 years ago, and the Double Tenth Festival. Among the attendees were six members from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, including Director Li Zhiqiang and Deputy Director Zhang Lixian. They were joined by Chen Zi, the association’s senior advisor, along with Chairman Lin Xing, Mai Peng, and leaders of traditional Chinese organizations such as the Anliang Business Association, Xiesheng Association, and Hongmen Zhi Gong Tang, as well as representatives from various Chinatown organizations, bringing the total to over 400 officials and distinguished guests.

The festivities kicked off with a lively lion dance performance. In their speeches, Chen Zi, Lin Xing, and Mai Peng expressed gratitude to all attendees and reflected on the significance of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s revolution, which overthrew the Qing dynasty and pioneered democratic ideals, establishing principles of livelihood, democracy, and freedom that transformed the course of history and ushered in a new era for the Chinese nation. They emphasized that as descendants of the Huangdi and Yandi, the Chinese people should unite regardless of political beliefs or religious faiths to build a brighter future, wishing for an even better tomorrow for the Chinese nation.

Li Zhiqiang noted that Philadelphia is the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed. He drew parallels between Dr. Sun’s “Three Principles of the People” and the founding spirit of the United States, highlighting the vision of a government grounded in the will of the common people achieved through democratic means. He assured that the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office would fully support any assistance needed in the future and hoped to strengthen exchanges with the local community through the Philadelphia Chinese community.

Several prominent figures took to the stage, including Xu Fuqun, President of the Anliang Business Association; Chen Wei, Chair of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Asian American Commission; Que Guangxian, Director of the Philadelphia Office of International Affairs; Xiao Qijin, Executive Chair of the Northeast Development Council; and Philadelphia City Council member Mark Squilla, all praising the Chinese Association’s contributions to the community.

Additionally, Que Guangxian presented a letter of congratulations from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, while Xiao Qijin offered a letter from City Council member Mike Driscoll, acknowledging the contributions made by the Philadelphia Chinese community, including the association.

The entertainment program featured a heartwarming rendition of “Chinese Nation” sung by leaders from Xiesheng, Anliang, and Hongmen. Performances followed from groups such as “Happy Together,” “May Day Joy,” “Joyful,” “CoCo Happiness,” “Wealth and Fortune,” “Rainbow,” and the “Five Flower Girls” dance troupe, keeping the enthusiasm high with continuous applause and cheers. The evening was masterfully hosted by Zhang Shanxing, Mai Zhibin, and Wang Tangde.