Top Chinese political advisor Yu Zhengsheng called on authorities to better use the strengths of returned overseas Chinese and those still residing abroad to achieve China's two centenary goals.

Yu, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, made the remarks during a commemorative event to mark the 60th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (AFROC).

Yu said returned overseas Chinese, their relatives and Chinese compatriots residing abroad are major contributors to China's modernization, its reunification, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

He urged AFROC to solidify cohesion among overseas Chinese, pool their strength and wisdom and protect their interests, which will help with the fulfillment of China's two centenary goals, and help with reform and opening-up and the peaceful development of the world.

Communist Party of China committees and governments at all levels must support the work of organizations linked to AFROC, and help them overcome problems and challenges, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2016)