Xi urges overseas-educated talents to contribute to Chinese dream

A celebration is held to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Western Returned Scholars Association (WRSA) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 21, 2013. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping gives a speech at the 100th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Western Returned Scholars Association in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 21, 2013. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese President Xi Jinpingon Monday called on overseas-educated talents to contribute to realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, whether they are at home or abroad.

Xi made the remarks at the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Returned Scholars Association.

The government supports students and scholars studying abroad, encourages them to return to China, guarantees them the freedom of coming and going, and supports them in using their talents, Xi said while addressing the ceremony attended by about 3,000 people.

The Communist Party of China and the government respect the choices of the students, Xi said. "You are warmly welcome if you return to China. If you stay abroad, we support you in serving the country in various ways."

Xi said he hoped the students would remain patriotic, integrating their own achievement with national development.

Scholars are encouraged to use their advantages to promote exchange between China and other countries so that China can gain more understanding and support from the world, he said.

It has been more than 100 years since China began to send students and scholars to study abroad. They have made great contributions to the revolution, building and reform of China.

In 1978, China expanded the number of students sent to study abroad. By the end of 2012, 2.64 million had been sent abroad, among whom 1.09 million returned.