Yu Zhengsheng (R, front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with representatives attending the Discovery Trip to China for Eminent Young Overseas Chinese 2015 and poses for a group photo with them in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2015. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Senior Chinese leader Yu Zhengsheng on Thursday acknowledged the value of overseas Chinese in connecting China with the world, pledging that China will provide more opportunities to them and to the world.
Yu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, made the remarks when meeting with 500 overseas Chinese youth representatives from 82 countries and regions.
Yu praised their contribution to China's modernization and friendly exchanges between China and foreign countries.
Yu noted that the Chinese economy is faced with increasing downward pressure, but "we are fully confident about its long-term prospects." He added that China will provide more opportunities in its market, growth, investment and cooperation to the youth and to the world.
Yu also expressed his hope that overseas Chinese youth can inherit the essence of the Chinese nation, help boost communication between China and foreign countries and introduce China's transformation to the outside world.
Yu's remarks are in line with the theme of a recently convened conference on united front work, at which Chinese President Xi Jinping urged authorities to pool strength for the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.
Xi emphasized the importance of uniting Chinese students studying abroad as well as overseas Chinese.
Organized by the Overseas Chinese Office of the State Council and China Overseas Exchange Association, it is the tenth of the biennial event this year.
Divided into six teams, the 500 representatives have held a rally in Beijing to support the city's 2022 Winter Olympic Games bid, paid a homecoming homage to the Yellow Emperor's Mausoleum in Henan and visited other places, including Zhejiang, Shanghai and Tibet.
