Work On Patriotism Done "meticulously"

The outgoing chairman of China's top advisory body said on Saturday that the Communist Party has worked "meticulously" to enhance patriotism among young people in Hong Kong and Macau as well as those farther abroad.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference's annual session in Beijing, Yu Zhengsheng also urged the party to rally non-mainland ethnic Chinese, including those overseas, around the country's national interests and help realise the "Chinese Dream" of national rejuvenation.

He said central government advisers had been developing and strengthening the ranks of patriots who he said loved both the mainland and Hong Kong.

Delivering his final report during the session, Yu said the CPPCC supported its members playing a positive role in handling Hong Kong affairs.

His comments came amid heightening Western scrutiny of the Communist Party's efforts to exert control and influence abroad, including over the Chinese diaspora in countries like the United States and Australia.

Wang Yang, a member of the Communist Party's top decision-making body, is expected to become the next chairman of the CPPCC.

Former Hong Kong leaders Tung Chee-hwa and CY Leung are also expected to be re-elected as vice-chairmen for the next five years.

(Additional reporting by AP)