Last Wednesday, July 3, Diego Portales University (UDP), the the Chilean-Asian Project and the Millennium Nucleus ICLAC held an activity focused on Chinese migrations and the experience of Chinese-descendant communities in Chile. The event, moderated by the ICLAC alternate director, Carol Chan, was held in the UDP Archives Room of the Nicanor Parra Library, and included the screening of the ICLAC documentary "The Journey of Guan Gong" and the presentation of research conducted by UDP Anthropology students and interns from the Chilean Asian Project and the ICLAC Millennium Nucleus.
The day began with the exhibition of the documentary "The Journey of Guan Gong", an audiovisual piece that through historical sources explores Chinese migration to Latin America and the figure of the deity known as Guan Gong.
Subsequently, UDP Anthropology students and interns from the Chilean-Asian Project and ICLAC, Karina Díaz, Tamara Naser, Julieta Robles and Mauro Querol, presented the findings of their research, which focuses on Chileans of Chinese descent present in Chile, particularly linked to the Cheng Ning Hui Social and Cultural Center, located in Antofagasta. This center was founded in 1937 by young people born in Chile to strengthen their cultural heritage. The association has participated in the preservation and dissemination of Chinese culture in Antofagasta, organizing activities and participating in festivals of foreign communities.
The students indicated how traditions, food, and community life have contributed to cohesion within the Cheng Ning Hui. The role of women in cultural preservation and dissemination was mentioned, including the making of costumes for dances at festivals. The research also addressed experiences of discrimination and racism faced by these communities. However, it was mentioned that the treatment of Chileans of Chinese descent has changed in recent years, partly due to the economic positioning of the Asian country.
The activity concluded with a call to continue exploring this migratory history, both at regional and national levels, and to investigate the perspectives of young generations about their ancestry and future projection.