In 1979, young Tian Qichang stepped off a ferry in Hong Kong with a single goal: find the father he hadn't seen since childhood. Born in 1948, Tian's early years were marked by upheaval when his father was forcibly drafted to Taiwan.
Driven by his own search, Tian soon recognized a larger need: countless families were torn apart by history, unsure how to reconnect with loved ones on the other shore. In the early 1980s, he made a bold move. He quit his stable job and founded a liaison office in Hong Kong – a vital bridge between the Taiwan region and the Chinese mainland.
Before the internet, Tian's office became a personal postal service. He delivered countless letters for residents on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, nurturing conversations that official channels often couldn't reach. Beyond correspondence, he provided financial support to underprivileged families, ensuring travel costs didn't stand between relatives yearning to embrace.
Over the years, Tian's grassroots efforts facilitated numerous family reunions. These acts of connection foreshadowed thawing cross-strait ties, building bridges long before formal talks resumed. For many, Tian's work meant more than paperwork – it was a lifeline to rediscovered family bonds.
Today, as technology redefines how we connect, Tian Qichang's story reminds us that the simplest gestures – handwritten letters, a helping hand – can transform lives. His legacy is a testament to persistence, compassion, and the power of individual action to heal historical divides.
Reference(s):
Taiwan Through the Ages: Cross-Straits Family Reunion Office
cgtn.com
