Huaqiao Nongchang: Isolated Settlements of Overseas Chinese Inside China

Abstract

This study offers a comprehensive exploration and analysis of "huaqiao nongchang," commonly known as overseas Chinese farms, situated within contemporary China's territorial boundaries. These administrative units, established in the 1950s-1980s, served as an intriguing aspect of emigrant administration and were established in three distinct phases. Initially, they functioned as agricultural entities, predominantly inhabited by ethnic Chinese returning en masse from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and others to the newlyformed People's Republic of China in 1949.The author's primary objective is to fill gaps in our understanding of this phenomenon and to dissect the logic behind the stages of their creation, settlement, and subsequent reforms within China. This article excels in its contextualization within the historical framework, shedding light on the unique characteristics of these settlements. A comprehensive analysis of works by Chinese experts uncovers a significant reason for the PRC authorities' adoption of this approach: it provided a swift solution to hunger-related issues and the employment of vast refugee populations.As time progressed, drawbacks in this approach to managing emigrants became apparent. The initial economic struggles of these settlements, coupled with unfavorable socio-cultural environments and a lack of effective organizational strategies for settlers, necessitated ongoing reforms. The transformation of certain "huaqiao nongchang" units from unproductive state farms into profitable agricultural enterprises occurred due to various factors, including decentralization of decision-making, redirection toward local markets, alleviation of social tensions, workforce training, and their integration into the broader Chinese economy.This article supplements its analysis with excerpts from settlers' memoirs, offering firsthand insights into the lives and experiences of overseas Chinese emigrants returning to their homeland. Additionally, it provides a concise examination of the terminology associated with this subject matter.