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**Group Photo of All Members of the 2024 Overseas Chinese Media Fujian Interview Tour and Provincial and Municipal Leaders in Front of the Chen Jiageng Memorial Hall in Fujian**
**Reporter Yuan Yan: [Core Summary]:** On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Mr. Chen Jiageng's birth, the "Pursuing the Chinese Dream · Promoting the Jiageng Spirit in the New Era" 2024 Overseas Chinese Media Fujian Interview Tour, organized by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and hosted by the Fujian Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, took place from May 15th to 17th in Xiamen, the birthplace of the Jiageng spirit. The tour aimed to explore the legacy of Chen Jiageng and promote his spirit. On the evening of the 16th, as the night fell and a gentle breeze blew, the reporter met Mr. Lin Shaochuan, Honorary Curator of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics' Anti-Japanese War Memorial in Nanyang and Vice President of the Quanzhou Jiageng Spirit Research Association. Mr. Lin had driven over 100 kilometers from Quanzhou to the coffee shop at Wanda Reign Hotel, where the interview group was staying. Facing the complete set of books authored by Mr. Lin on the "Overseas Chinese Mechanics," the reporter conducted a memorable and exclusive interview with him, reflecting on historical events related to Chen Jiageng and the Overseas Chinese Mechanics, allowing us to revisit that special wartime era. (Hereinafter referred to as: Reporter, Curator Lin)
**Reporter:** Curator Lin, this October marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the famous patriotic overseas Chinese leader, entrepreneur, educator, philanthropist, and social activist Mr. Chen Jiageng. I have long admired your deep and passionate research on Mr. Chen, which you have pursued for over 40 years, producing many significant works. I am very impressed by your dedication. Could you please introduce yourself first?
Curator Lin: Thank you! I am very pleased and honored to be interviewed by an international journalist. I am the Honorary Curator of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics' Anti-Japanese War Memorial in Nanyang and the Vice President of the Quanzhou Jiageng Spirit Research Association. Over the years, I have authored books such as Chen Jiageng and the Overseas Chinese Mechanics (1994 edition) and Fervent Patriots: The Overseas Chinese Mechanics on the Burma Road (2015 edition). I also edited the large-scale Overseas Chinese historical series The Meritorious Service of the Patriots and the Loyal Souls of the Nation, which includes Records of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics and Pictorial Records of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics (2021 edition). I have even received the "China News Award," but that is all old history now.
Reporter: But history never grows old; in fact, it becomes even more precious with time. You see, the 150th anniversary of Chen Jiageng’s birth is just around the corner. Inviting you for an interview is precisely to draw on your more than 40 years of dedicated research to revisit that period in history, allowing more Chinese and overseas Chinese, especially the younger generation, to promote and inherit the Jiageng spirit. Could you first talk about the historical background of that era?
Curator Lin:** Certainly! This is a chapter in history that should be forever remembered for its profound impact, and it showcases the heroic efforts led by Mr. Chen Jiageng in rallying overseas Chinese in Nanyang to support China in its war of resistance. Eighty-five years ago, in 1939, during a time of national crisis, over 3,200 Overseas Chinese Mechanics responded to his call and returned to China to join the war effort. For more than 40 years, I have focused on this field, pouring all my sweat and dedication into it.
Reporter: Great! Could you share how you became involved in the study of Chen Jiageng?
Curator Lin: My connection with the Overseas Chinese Mechanics has deep roots. I was born in Quanzhou and worked as a youth in the Shuangyang Overseas Chinese Farm. After the reinstatement of the college entrance examination, I was admitted to Xiamen University, which was founded by Mr. Chen Jiageng, and studied in the history department. Out of gratitude to Chen Jiageng and an interest in overseas Chinese history, I was assigned to teach at Huaqiao University in Quanzhou after graduation. In the blink of an eye, more than 40 years have passed, but the deeds of Chen Jiageng remain vivid in my memory.
Reporter: The history of overseas Chinese and Chen Jiageng seems to span a broad range. How did you connect the two?
Curator Lin: It was thanks to meeting an elder who was an Overseas Chinese Mechanic.
Reporter: Who was that?
Curator Lin: Mr. Cai Hanliang.
On the Occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Victory in the War of Resistance, August 15, 1985, Japan's Surrender Day, Lin Shaochuan (right) Conducts His First Interview with Nanyang Overseas Chinese Mechanic Cai Hanliang (left) at Huaqiao University
Reporter:** Another story to tell?
Curator Lin:** Indeed! At that time, in 1985, during the 40th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance, I was introduced to Mr. Cai and conducted our conversation at the Chen Jiageng Memorial Hall at Huaqiao University. Mr. Cai recounted the heroic and tragic history of more than 3,200 Overseas Chinese Mechanics who left Nanyang to return to China and join the war effort. He described the scenes of life and death struggles along the Burma Road and shared the post-war hardships and twists in their lives. In front of me were photos, certificates, awards, and commemorative medals that Mr. Cai had carefully preserved over the years. The sight of these shining relics completely overwhelmed me...
Introduction Letter from the Nan'an Fleet of the Quanzhou Branch of Fujian Provincial Automobile Transport Company (Regarding Cai Hanliang's Request to Transfer His Household Registration from Yongchun to His Original Hometown in Nan'an After Retirement) on June 28, 1984
In October 1985, Lin Shaochuan Wrote an Introduction Letter for Cai Ruoshui to Take to Beijing to Meet with Zhuang Mingli, Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, to Assist Cai Hanliang in Implementing Policies. The Image Shows Cai Ruoshui’s Letter to Lin Shaochuan from Beijing on October 15
The Scene of Overseas Chinese Mechanics Gathering in Singapore Before Returning to China to Join the War
When discussing the Overseas Chinese Mechanics, the Burma Road is an essential topic that cannot be overlooked.
The Overseas Chinese Mechanics Fought Bravely on the Military Transport Lines During the War of Resistance. Pictured is the world-renowned Burma Road extension—the "24 Zigzags" in Guizhou.
It is especially worth mentioning that during my interview in Guizhou, I met Xu Zhiguang, an Overseas Chinese mechanic who sent his entire family back to his hometown in Fujian before resolutely joining the war effort. He has always treasured a letter personally signed by Chen Jiageng. The letter reads: "Xu Zhiguang, a young Overseas Chinese, is passionate about his country. This time, he has resolutely sacrificed his former profession to return to China to serve as a driver, helping the nation—a most admirable decision. His mother and wife are planning to return to their hometown for peaceful residence... I hope they will receive special consideration." This precious letter, weathered by time, vividly reflects the heart of a true patriot.
A Letter Personally Signed by Mr. Chen Jiageng Introducing Overseas Chinese Mechanic Xu Zhiguang for His Service in China (March 13, 1939)
Moreover, the story of Li Yuemei, a Malayan Overseas Chinese mechanic, is even more legendary. She disguised herself as a man to return to China and join the war effort and was praised by He Xiangning as a "heroine among women." Her true identity as a woman was only revealed when she was injured and sent to the hospital for treatment.
(Left image below) On one occasion, Li Yuemei was seriously injured in a car accident on the Burma Road. Fortunately, she was rescued and sent to the hospital by Yang Weiquan, another Overseas Chinese mechanic. Later, Li Yuemei and Yang Weiquan, who had carefully nursed her back to health, became life partners during their time of hardship. The couple was celebrated in newspapers both in China and abroad as the "Modern-day Mulan.
After being injured in a car accident, Li Yuemei remained with the Overseas Chinese Mechanics fleet and, in 1940, switched to working as a nurse, earning the title "Angel in White." (Top right image)
Among the mechanics, there were also several passionate young overseas Chinese women. Bai Xuejiao, an employee of the Women's Department of the Penang Relief Committee, originally from Anxi, Quanzhou, changed her name to Xueqiao and secretly signed up to join the mechanics team, hiding her decision from her parents. Before leaving, she left behind a letter to her family, in which she wrote: "Dear parents, farewell. Nothing can prevent me from enlisting in the army now... Although the journey ahead is fraught with uncertainties, it is precisely at this moment of national crisis that the youth must rise to serve their country."
This letter was published in full in the **Kwong Wah Yit Poh** on May 19, 1939. Now, 85 years later, reading it still stirs the soul!
Reporter:** These discoveries are incredibly valuable!
Curator Lin:** Indeed! At that time, I wondered why such a significant piece of history, such a heroic act, had remained unknown for over 40 years. So, I decided to commit myself to studying it as a research topic. Later, I wrote an article titled "The Experience of an Overseas Chinese Mechanic: A Record of Cai Hanliang on the Burma Road," which became part of the history curriculum at Huaqiao University. After that, I wrote another article titled "A Record of Cai Hanliang, an Overseas Chinese Mechanic on the Burma Road." My former teacher from Xiamen University, Professor Chen Yiming, who was then the director of the Xiamen Overseas Chinese Museum founded by Chen Jiageng, forwarded it to Mr. Chen Gongcun, the nephew of Chen Jiageng and the president of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Since then, Cai Hanliang's story has attracted high-level attention and has been designated as a key subject for specialized research.
In 1987, Mr. Chen Gongcun (left) met with Lin Shaochuan (right) at the Xiamen Hotel, encouraging and funding him to conduct nationwide research on the history of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics.
Reporter:** The story is becoming more touching and exciting!
Curator Lin:** The most exciting part is yet to come. From that point onward, with the strong support and funding from Mr. Chen Gongcun, the nephew of Chen Jiageng, I embarked on a solo journey to trace the history of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics along the Burma Road. I traveled to eight provinces—Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan—covering 64 cities and counties, and conducted specialized investigations and interviews with over 100 Overseas Chinese Mechanics. This effort culminated in the publication of the book *Chen Jiageng and the Overseas Chinese Mechanics*, which was a precious gift commemorating the 50th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance. Later, China Central Television adapted the book into a five-part documentary series titled *Overseas Chinese Mechanics*, which was first aired on CCTV in 1995 and received awards.
In 1994, Lin Shaochuan published the 300,000-word illustrated book *Chen Jiageng and the Overseas Chinese Mechanics* as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance. In 2015, he revised the book and republished it under the title *Fervent Patriots: The Overseas Chinese Mechanics on the Burma Road* as a tribute to the 70th anniversary of the victory.*
Reporter:** That is truly a substantial and significant gift!
Curator Lin:** Yes, indeed!
Reporter:** "From what I understand, of the more than 3,200 Overseas Chinese Mechanics who returned to join the war, over 1,000 were killed in action, more than 1,000 were demobilized and returned to Nanyang after the war, and the remaining 1,000 or so stayed in China. Is that correct?"
The Burma Road is known for its steep mountains and dangerous paths; even a slight mistake could result in a fatal accident.****Curator Lin:** Yes, that’s absolutely correct!
On the Occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, the Majestic and Grand "Overseas Chinese Mechanics' Monument to the War of Resistance" Was Unveiled at Wanting, the End Point of the China Section of the Burma Road
Erected in 2005 by the People's Government of Dehong Prefecture (Donated by Lin Xiaochang, son of Overseas Chinese Mechanic Lin Fulai and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference)
The "Overseas Chinese Mechanics' Memorial Hall" Was Inaugurated in Wanting (July 7, 2015, Wanting, Yunnan)
Curator Lin:** During my interviews with the Overseas Chinese Mechanics, I met the last surviving member.
Reporter:** Oh, what is his name?
Curator Lin:** Jiang Yinsheng.
A Photo of the Last Surviving Overseas Chinese Mechanic, Jiang Yinsheng (left), with Lin Shaochuan (right). Behind Them Is a Military Transport Vehicle from the War of Resistance, Preserved in the Overseas Chinese Mechanics' Memorial Hall.
The Large-Scale Historical Series on the Overseas Chinese Mechanics, *The Meritorious Service of Patriots and the Loyal Souls of the Nation* (left image), Edited by Lin Shaochuan, Including *Records of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics* and *Pictorial Records of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics* (right image), Was Officially Published in 2022. The Series' Cover Is Shown in the Image, and the Back Cover Features a Particularly Striking Photo of Jiang Yinsheng, Accompanied by the Words "Three Thousand Heroes Defended Their Homeland, Now Only One Remains Worldwide."
**Curator Lin:** His name was Jiang Yinsheng. I edited a series of books titled *The Meritorious Service of Patriots and the Loyal Souls of the Nation*. On the back cover of this book, I wrote the words, "Three thousand heroes defended their homeland; now only one remains worldwide." This phrase encapsulates the entire significance of that chapter of wartime history.
**Reporter:** Yes, that’s incredibly moving and meaningful. The books you’ve written about the Overseas Chinese Mechanics—the first was a tribute to the 40th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance, the second to the 75th anniversary, and now, this interview serves as a tribute to the 150th anniversary of Mr. Chen Jiageng’s birth. It’s an extraordinary milestone that transcends history and time. We all know that Mr. Chen Jiageng made indelible contributions throughout his life to the Xinhai Revolution, national education, the War of Resistance, the War of Liberation, and the construction of New China. He was praised by Mao Zedong as "a flag of overseas Chinese, a glory of the nation." I believe the patriotic spirit he represented and the Jiageng spirit he left behind will continue to shine brightly in the new journey of national development.
**Reporter:** We have learned that over the years, Quanzhou and Xiamen have done a lot of publicity about your work. What coverage have you received from major national media outlets in China, and what impact has it had? What honors have you received over the years?
**Curator Lin:** My first encounter with the Overseas Chinese Mechanics began with the interview of Cai Hanliang, which, though initially accidental, led to a 40-year dedication to the subject. I have authored several works, including *Chen Jiageng and the Overseas Chinese Mechanics* (1994 edition), *Fervent Patriots: The Overseas Chinese Mechanics on the Burma Road* (2015 edition), and *The Meritorious Service of Patriots and the Loyal Souls of the Nation* (including *Records of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics* and *Pictorial Records of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics*). When the *Overseas Chinese Mechanics Historical Series* was officially published in 2022, the *People’s Daily Overseas Edition* reported on June 13th under the title "The Overseas Chinese Mechanics Historical Series *The Meritorious Service of Patriots and the Loyal Souls of the Nation* is Published, Remembering the History of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics’ Patriotic Contribution": "The Overseas Chinese Mechanics, a representative group of overseas Chinese who participated in the War of Resistance, has once again attracted attention from the overseas Chinese community. With the publication of this new book, that fiery period of history has once again emerged from the depths of history into the public eye." On September 3, 2022, the anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance, *Xinhua Daily Telegraph* published an article titled "The Days of Pursuing the Overseas Chinese Mechanics," covering my stories about "The Overseas Chinese Mechanics: The Meritorious Service of Patriots and the Loyal Souls of the Nation." On that day, the article "The Days of Pursuing the Overseas Chinese Mechanics" garnered 1 million views, and as of today, it has exceeded 1.5 million views. Over the years, I have been invited to various places across the country to share stories about the Overseas Chinese Mechanics. I was honored with the title of "Ambassador of Love and Public Welfare" by the organizing committee of the "5th International Chinese Public Welfare Ceremony" and attended the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan on March 17, 2022. I was also awarded the title of "2023 Public Welfare Love Ambassador" and attended the Beijing ceremony on January 17, 2024. During the event, I gave a speech titled "Lin Shaochuan: 40 Years of Dedicated Research on the Overseas Chinese Mechanics—Though the Overseas Chinese Mechanics Are No More, History Will Never Forget" and was interviewed by China Central Television.
Reporter:** A century of historical accumulation continues the Jiageng spirit. What specific plans do you have for the future?
**Curator Lin:** From being a recorder of the history of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics to becoming a continuation of that historical legacy, I am now "retired but not resting," busier than ever, and I feel a deep sense of fulfillment. Over the years, through joint efforts at home and abroad, research on the Overseas Chinese Mechanics has transformed from a "niche" topic into a "hot" one, and that group of patriots has been vividly restored to their grand stature. Forty years ago, the Overseas Chinese Mechanics were little known, but now, many people in China and around the world are aware of this history. I believe this historical memory not only belongs to the Chinese and overseas Chinese but also leaves a shining spiritual legacy for all of humanity. In 2018, the "Archives of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics" were successfully included in the "Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Register." These archives, totaling 850 volumes and covering the period from 1937 to 1948, include telegrams, official letters, forms, and photographs, authentically recording the entire process of more than 3,000 Overseas Chinese from Nanyang voluntarily returning to China to resist the Japanese invasion.
Time flies, and on October 29, 2022, the last surviving Overseas Chinese Mechanic, Jiang Yinsheng, passed away in Chongqing. The news that "all 3,200 Overseas Chinese Mechanics have now passed away" quickly became a national trending topic, with 140 million reads. Countless netizens left messages, stating that we must remember the patriotic history of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics. The trending topic "There Are No More Overseas Chinese Mechanics in the World, But We Will Never Forget Them" was particularly eye-catching. Previously, it was said, "Three thousand heroes defended their homeland; now only one remains worldwide." But from now on, "There are no more Overseas Chinese Mechanics in the world, but history will never forget them!"**Reporter:** You are truly remarkable, Curator Lin. Every word you say and every story you tell deeply moves and inspires me. I admire your unwavering dedication for over 40 years, and I want to give you a big round of applause! It's getting late, the clock now reads 10:30 PM, so we'll pause our interview here for today. I will continue to follow your work and the story of the "Overseas Chinese Mechanics." Thank you for your time, Curator Lin, and thank you for accepting my interview!
After the Interview, Curator Lin Presented a Book to the Reporter and Took a Photo Together
On August 1, 2024, the Reporter Conducted Their First Telephone Interview with Curator Lin Shaochuan**
Reporter: Following the exclusive interview with Curator Lin Shaochuan in Xiamen in May, I have seen several new reports on him from both official sources and the media over the past two months. Therefore, recently, I made a call from Beijing to connect with Curator Lin Shaochuan, who is in Quanzhou. During the call, Curator Lin shared with me the following...
Curator Lin:** Hello, Reporter Yuan! Thank you for your continued attention to me and the "Overseas Chinese Mechanics." Indeed, this year marks the 150th anniversary of Mr. Chen Jiageng's birth, the 10th anniversary of General Secretary Xi Jinping's reply to the Jimei Alumni Association, and the 85th anniversary of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics returning to China to join the war effort. To further promote and honor the Jiageng spirit, various commemorative activities are being held across the country, from the central government to local levels, especially in places like Fujian, Quanzhou, and Xiamen.
In recent times, I have been invited to give talks in various places, including Mr. Chen Jiageng's hometown of Xiamen, as well as universities, libraries, and even military camps in Quanzhou. These invitations have given me the opportunity to share the stories of "Chen Jiageng and the Overseas Chinese Mechanics: The Meritorious Service of Patriots and the Loyal Souls of the Nation" as part of the commemorations honoring Chen Jiageng and the Overseas Chinese Mechanics.
Curator Lin:** At every venue I visited, I shared with the audience the motivations behind writing *Chen Jiageng and the Overseas Chinese Mechanics*, *Fervent Patriots: The Overseas Chinese Mechanics on the Burma Road*, and the *Overseas Chinese Mechanics Historical Series: The Meritorious Service of Patriots and the Loyal Souls of the Nation*. I also spoke about my 40-year journey of promoting the stories of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics. I explained the contributions Mr. Chen Jiageng made in leading the Overseas Chinese in Nanyang to support China’s war effort, and I engaged in interactive discussions with the readers. We explored the historical and contemporary significance of publicizing the deeds of the Overseas Chinese Mechanics, and how, in today’s world, we can better carry forward and promote the Jiageng spirit, uniting Chinese people at home and abroad to continue the patriotic mission.
In closing, during our phone conversation, Curator Lin said to the reporter: "History is being passed down. From interviewing the Overseas Chinese Mechanics to being interviewed myself, from recording history to participating in the creation of films about their stories, I’ve spent most of my life busy with this work, and I have no regrets. The vicissitudes of life and the passage of time have only deepened my resolve. The unwavering loyalty of Chen Jiageng and the Overseas Chinese Mechanics continues to inspire us in this new era to forge ahead with courage."
Note: All historical photos and recent lecture photos mentioned in the article were provided by the interviewee, Curator Lin Shaochuan.*