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Acknowledgement: We sincerely thank many Chinese-language media outlets both in the United States and overseas, as well as mainstream English-language media, for their coverage of the RCAO 20th Anniversary Celebration and the Inauguration Ceremony of its 12th Leadership Team, held on May 30, 2026.
Chinese-language news media platforms include: US News Express, American Chinese Press, U.S. City News, The China Press, Chinese American Business Daily, China-US Times, Asia Times, Huawen Media, World Journal, China News Service, China Overseas Chinese Network, People’s Daily Overseas Edition, Baidu, Toutiao, Chinese Headlines, U.S. National Television, Hantian TV, Huaxia TV, U.S. City Radio, and others.
Mainstream U.S. media outlets, including News Today World / Google News at newstodayworld.org, and New York Los Angeles News at nylanews.com, also published reports on the event.
The Roundtable of Chinese American Organizations (RCAO) celebrated its 20th Anniversary and held the Inauguration Ceremony of its 12th Leadership Team on May 30, 2026, at Pacific Palms Resort in Southern California. More than 600 guests, including representatives from the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, federal, state, and local elected officials, community leaders, business representatives, and members of the public, gathered to commemorate this important milestone.
The evening was hosted by Jun Zhang, Lin Zhao, Lily Fang, Silvia Yang, and Nan Jiang. The celebration opened with a traditional Chinese Qipao fashion show presented by the GuoSe TianXiang Art & Culture Alliance USA and Brocade Apparel Art Group, followed by a vibrant lion dance and drum performance, jointly presented by the American Chinese Culture Association Children’s Art Troupe and the Drum Team of the South Bay Chinese American Association of California USA.
Fashion Show Chinese Cheongsam Elegance
Traditional Lion Dance Drums Performance
Guests stood in respect as Eva Zhang, Silver Award winner of the 2025 “Culture China • Water Cube Cup” Global Chinese Song Contest, performed the U.S. National Anthem, while Zhili Zheng, Gold Award winner of the 2026 Los Angeles Regional Competition, sang the Chinese National Anthem.
A commemorative video, “RCAO: Twenty Years of Unity and Service,” highlighted the organization’s remarkable journey since its founding in 2005. Over the past two decades, RCAO has grown into one of the most influential Chinese American umbrella organizations in Southern California, bringing together 217 member associations dedicated to cultural exchange, community service, civic engagement, and economic cooperation.
Throughout its history, RCAO and its member organizations have actively promoted Chinese culture and strengthened people-to-people ties between the United States and China. The organization has participated in major cultural events, including the Hollywood Christmas Parade and the Pasadena Rose Parade, showcasing Chinese heritage and contributions to America while fostering cross-cultural understanding.
RCAO has also been deeply committed to public service and charity initiatives. In recent years, the organization and its member associations have supported disaster relief efforts, charitable fundraising, autism awareness programs, and assistance for underserved communities. During the Los Angeles wildfire crisis, RCAO members donated emergency supplies, such as lighting equipment, clothes, food and water, and organized fundraising efforts to assist affected families.
A special memorial video paid tribute to the late Madam Sue Zhang, one of RCAO’s founding leaders and a highly respected community figure. The audience responded with warm applause in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the Chinese American community and U.S.-China friendship. Her autobiography, The Daughter of the Peace General, was published in English in the United States, capturing both her personal journey and legacy and the broader story of Chinese Americans striving and contributing in the United States.
Chairman Andy Zhang Delivering Keynote Address
In his keynote address, RCAO Board Chairman and 12th Presidium Chairman Andy Zhang reflected on the organization’s twenty-year history and reaffirmed its mission of promoting unity, cultural heritage, community service, and development.
“Chinese Americans are both inheritors of Chinese culture and contributors to American society,” Zhang said. “We should cherish our cultural roots while actively participating in mainstream society, fulfilling our civic responsibilities, and contributing to the prosperity, diversity, and harmony of our communities.”
He expressed confidence that RCAO’s new leadership team would continue working closely with its 217 member organizations to build an even stronger and more vibrant future.
Distinguished speakers included Guo Zhiqiang, Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles; Congresswoman Judy Chu, California State Senator Bob Archuleta; California Assemblymember Phillip Chen; and California Assemblymember Mike Fong. They congratulated RCAO on its achievements and praised the organization’s longstanding contributions to community service, cultural exchange, and civic participation.
Additional remarks were delivered by former Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, representative of Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, and several local elected officials, who commended RCAO’s positive impact on community development and charitable initiatives.
RCAO Leaders with City Council Members
During the ceremony, RCAO leaders presented appointment certificates to honorary leaders and officially introduced the organization’s 12th Leadership Team. Accompanied by the RCAO anthem, the newly inaugurated leadership members took the stage for a group presentation and commemorative photograph, symbolizing a new chapter of unity and progress.
RCAO Certificate Presentation to Honorary Leaders
he celebration also featured a rich cultural program directed by Sophy Wu, with Junying Zhu serving as Artistic Director and Amy Huang as Stage Manager. Performances showcased the diversity, creativity, and vitality of the Chinese American community.
Throughout the evening, RCAO displayed congratulatory messages and letters received from government officials, community organizations, and friendship associations across the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. These messages reflected the broad recognition and support RCAO has earned over its twenty years of service.
The event concluded with RCAO leaders and guests joining together to sing Tomorrow Will Be Better. A special 20th Anniversary cake-cutting ceremony brought the celebration to a memorable and inspiring close.
As RCAO enters its third decade, its story reflects more than organizational growth. It reflects the enduring commitment of Chinese Americans to preserve cultural heritage, serve their communities, and contribute to the broader fabric of American society. The evening’s celebration demonstrated how shared traditions, civic engagement, and volunteer service can bring people together across generations and backgrounds. In that spirit, RCAO’s next chapter offers an encouraging reminder that understanding, cooperation, and friendship remain among the strongest bridges connecting communities both locally and internationally.