A Chinese association’s Articles of Association (AoA) are vitally important documents that outline company details like business scope, governance structure, and shareholder rights. Regular updates are necessary to ensure that the AoA aligns with legal requirements and a company’s strategic objectives.
The AoA is the ‘backbone’ of organised transnational networks that transcend national boundaries. These networks have been boosted by the BRI’s inroads into Southeast Asia and China’s ‘going-out’ policy.
History
The United Chinese Association mobilizes community resources to improve the quality of life for thousands of immigrant residents of Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights and Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. The organization works to advocate for immigrants’ rights, cultivate political awareness and civic mindedness, and promote coalition politics at the local level.
The Association was founded at a dinner for ‘gentlemen with some connection to China’ held at the Thatched House Club on 4 March 1889. The organisation’s early work involved taking on commercial grievances on behalf of British traders in China, including working closely with the London Chamber of Commerce and local Chambers in Hankow, Tientsin and Hong Kong.
Many of its members also tapped into their unique experiences to foster improved U.S.-China relations. Author Pearl S. Buck wrote novels that brought a vibrant image of China to a broad audience, while journalists Henry Luce and others launched high profile magazines that rallied support for China’s war against Japan.
Purpose
To promote unity and understanding among members, and to provide services to students so that they can adapt to American society while learning about China. It also provides opportunities for students to participate in local and city-wide activities that contribute to the wellness and quality of life in Newton.
CSAUS promotes development and improvement in Chinese language educational frameworks and systems nationwide, disseminates best practices for teaching Chinese to K-16 educators, encourages teachers and administrators to attend professional conferences and trainings, provides platforms for teacher and student exchange programs and internships. It also advocates K-16 Chinese standards, soliciting feedback from teachers and experts in the field of foreign language education.
The organization has been a strong advocate for the participation of Chinese-Americans in the political process and preserving their heritage in America. It has also been a catalyst for bilateral business and cultural relations.
Members
The Association gathered members from a broad spectrum of the community—trade, professional and civic organizations, cultural and women’s groups, and a range of Chinese societies. Its General Committee acted as the recognised representative of British commercial interests in China. Branch associations were formed in Shanghai, Yokohama and Hong Kong.
CCBA is the founding member of the Chinese Voters Federation to encourage eligible voters to register and vote in the 2004 presidential election. It also leads a community coalition that successfully opposes clustering of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in one racial category on the Census questionnaire.
In 1987, as Chinese language programs gained momentum in American high schools, the CLASS was founded to provide professional support for its growing membership of high school Chinese teachers. Membership is open to individuals who uphold the bylaws of CLASS, believe in its purposes and pay an annual membership fee determined by the Executive Board.
Governance structure
The Articles of Association (AoA) are a key document that establishes the framework under which a company operates. These documents, often likened to a constitution, define various aspects of the business’s governance and interactions with shareholders and other stakeholders. They detail meeting protocols, quorum requirements, and voting procedures. In addition, they set out mandatory and freely agreed items such as finance principles and dividend distribution policies.
The AoA also sets out the internal structure of a company, including its management and governance mechanisms. These include the CPC’s cadre management system and its disciplinary inspection mechanisms, which help align the objective functions of managers with the Party’s objectives.
The AoA must be updated regularly to reflect legal changes and ensure that the company’s members and shareholders are aware of these changes. This is vital to maintaining a stable relationship between the parties.
Shareholder rights
Often likened to a constitution, the Articles of Association are the bedrock of a company’s framework and set the stage for how it functions. They define its legal, ethical, and governance structures while detailing shareholders’ rights and responsibilities.
With the enactment of new legislation, some changes have been made that affect shareholder rights. For example, the law has changed the allocation of decision-making powers between a company’s shareholders’ meeting, its board of directors (BoD), and its management.
The President may sign checks, contracts, bonds and other obligations on behalf of the Association only when specifically authorized by the Board of Directors. All meetings must be attended by a quorum of Directors in order to be valid. A quorum is defined as a majority of Directors then in office.