Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan praised overseas Chinese on Thursday when meeting with representatives of organizations of overseas Chinese for their efforts to promote China's peaceful reunification.

"Overseas Chinese have played a unique and important role in preventing the independent activities of Taiwan secessionists," said Tang at the third meeting of the fellowship association of overseas Chinese and foreign nationals of Chinese origin, which opened Thursday.

Tang vowed to support Overseas Chinese's efforts to promote the cooperation and exchange between the Taiwan Straits.

Tang said the mainland will give positive responses to all suggestions on developing the relationship between the straits if the suggestions adhere to the one-country principle.

Since 2000, there have been more than 130 overseas Chinese organizations in more than 80 countries and regions with principles of promoting China's reunification and fight against secession.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2005)