A law to protect the rights and interests of overseas Chinese would provide a clear legal foundation for their economic activities in China, said Wang Tingshuang, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress.
"When drafting the legislation on the protection of rights and interests of overseas Chinese, the scope of protection of their economic rights and interests should be clearly defined, namely investment rights, property rights, and remittances and property inheritance rights," said Wang, who is attending the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress held from March 5 to 12 in Beijing.
He also noted that the new generation of overseas Chinese, referring to those who settled abroad or returned to China after studying overseas since the reform and opening-up in 1978, has become the primary focus of overseas Chinese affairs.
"Well-educated, globally minded, and strong in innovation and entrepreneurship, this group represents a 'new engine' driving local economic and social development," he said.
Wang noted that in economically developed southern provinces, overseas Chinese federations operate across all five administrative levels, provincial, city, county, township, and village, creating a well-connected service network. By contrast, some northern counties or districts still lack such institutions, with even fewer at the township, village, or community levels.
He said the imbalance could create several challenges. For example, in some regions, the growing number of new-generation overseas Chinese may lack effective channels for accessing services such as rights protection and entrepreneurial support.
"It's essential to develop a balanced structure for grassroots overseas Chinese federations," he said.
"Economically developed areas focus on optimizing village-level federation services, while less developed regions prioritize establishing pilot workstations in eligible townships, subdistricts, and industrial parks."
He also suggested setting up functional organizations such as "overseas Chinese homes", and encouraging retired relatives of overseas Chinese and overseas Chinese entrepreneurs to serve as part-time coordinators.
