The All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese held a gathering in Beijing on Friday to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the the Communist Party of China (CPC), delivered a speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

More than 700 representatives of the returned overseas Chinese, their family members from 53 countries and regions as well as federation working staff from around the country attended the gathering.

The 30 million returned overseas Chinese and their family members were an important force in the country's reform, opening and modernization drive, national reunification and rejuvenation, said Jia.

He praised the federation for its 50 years of efforts to unite returned overseas Chinese, protect their fundamental interests, and create favorable conditions to play their due role.

Source: Xinhua