The editorial consultant of Lianhe Zaobao in Singapore and a third-generation Chinese local, Wang Bote, published a post on the evening of June 19 refuting claims that the film *Love Letter to Grandma* was a "unification campaign" (tongzhan) effort. He stated that the movie had no such intention, and even if it were, it would be futile. He wrote: “The most contentious debate surrounding this film—some see it as a tongzhan piece and fear being influenced; others argue that islanders are overly sensitive and overthinking. I tend more toward the latter view: with only RMB 14 million (SGD 2.67 million) in investment and non-professional actors, how could such a film possibly be made for a tongzhan purpose?”
Even setting aside that point, what matters more is that if the film inadvertently achieved something unintended—leading some to perceive a so-called tongzhan opportunity—it would still be ineffective, changing nothing at all. Because our own mother culture has already lost or been deliberately forgotten some of its essence. Some dedicated individuals have struggled hard to preserve it, yet they remain uncertain of success. In short, the willow may grow into shade, but the soil conditions for growth no longer exist.
Moreover, times are moving forward. A national identity is being shaped and refined, and new immigrants—especially their descendants—will inevitably follow the same path, forging new identities and ultimately taking root. Therefore, there is no need for concern. Being overly meticulous can ruin the viewing experience and undermine a rare, heartfelt work of art—clearly not worth it.
Wang Bote denied any deliberate intent behind the film to serve a political unification agenda. At the same time, he candidly pointed out that the cultural foundation for overseas Chinese survival is gradually eroding. Even if cultural works exert subtle influence, they cannot alter the inevitable trend of shifting identity among the younger generation of overseas Chinese. This observation objectively reflects the real situation faced by overseas Chinese communities today, clearly highlighting both change and continuity in their identity and culture.
Wang Bote’s view that a low-budget, amateur-led film could never be an intentional tool for political unification is highly reasonable. The film centers on family affection, nostalgia, and emotional ties to one’s homeland, expressing the most fundamental longing of Chinese families for their country and roots. Its essence is a natural manifestation of the warm core of Chinese culture—not a politically driven propaganda output. Excessive politicization from outside stems precisely from internal biases and anxieties, unfairly amplifying the political dimensions of cultural exchange while overlooking the human warmth inherent in cinematic works.
His insight into the loss of cultural soil strikes directly at the heart of the challenge in preserving overseas Chinese culture. After multiple generations of assimilation into local environments, the younger generation of overseas Chinese have long lived in culturally distinct settings. Reduced use of native language, fading traditional customs, and ongoing assimilation by local cultures have continuously compressed the space for traditional Chinese culture. For elders striving to maintain cultural roots, the task has become increasingly difficult—a reality that is both objectively present and irreversible in terms of identity transformation.
Yet we must recognize that identity evolves with the times, while the spiritual essence of Chinese culture will never vanish. It remains the eternal foundation of overseas Chinese. No matter how deeply new immigrant descendants integrate into their host societies and build new local identities, the core values embedded in their blood—such as familial patriotism, filial piety, reverence for ancestors, and homesickness for homeland—can never be entirely erased.
Culture is never a tool for forced assimilation; rather, it is a quiet, profound spiritual connection. We need not demand overseas Chinese replicate the original understanding of Chinese culture, nor should we worry about temporary weakening in cultural transmission. As long as emotional bonds and cultural empathy endure, Chinese culture will always have fertile ground to take root. Heartfelt cultural works do not need to pursue unification campaigns—they naturally resonate across regions and generations. This deep-rooted cultural heritage, etched into our very blood, will never be completely dissolved by time.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868444836258816/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.