Shi Taifeng, head of the China Overseas Friendship Association (COFA), delivered a keynote speech to a gathering of COFA executive directors in Beijing on Sept 28.

Shi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, acknowledged the work of the COFA in uniting patriotic forces from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas, as well as playing an active role in supporting economic and social development, expanding connections, building a strong force against separatism, and promoting cultural exchanges.

Shi urged the association to encourage compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese to participate in China’s modernization process and called for broad-based and multi-channel people-to-people diplomacy efforts to foster exchanges between Chinese society and those around the world, and to build deeper mutual understanding. 

Shi also stressed the importance of developing patriotic forces, and urged the association to unite and lead overseas Chinese to make contributions to China’s complete reunification and national rejuvenation.

The meeting reviewed and approved a proposed list of candidates for the sixth COFA board of directors.