old overseas Chinese; long-established Chinese immigrant
Refers to Chinese people who emigrated overseas before China's reform and opening-up in 1978, often contrasted with 新華僑 (new overseas Chinese).
See also: 新華僑
Many old overseas Chinese live in Yokohama's Chinatown.
There are differences in language and customs between old and new overseas Chinese.
華僑 is a general term for overseas Chinese, while 老華僑 specifically denotes those who emigrated earlier, often with deeper local roots.
Compound of 老 (old) and 華僑 (overseas Chinese). The term arose to distinguish earlier Chinese emigrants from the 新華僑 who left after China's reform and opening-up.