Executive Vice-Minister Zhang Yijiong of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee speaks during a news conference at the press center of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing, Oct 21, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's united front work among overseas Chinese is conducted under the premise of respecting laws and major interests and concerns of local countries, a senior official said on Saturday.

"Our practice is in line with the international convention... and we've been adhering to the principles of open, law-binding and mutual benefits," said Zhang Yijiong, executive vice-minister of the United Front Work Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the top body in charge of cooperating with non-CPC bodies and individuals.

He made the remarks at a news conference on the sidelines of the ongoing 19th CPC National Congress, in response to a question whether China's united front work among overseas Chinese would affect the political system of local countries.

Zhang said a large number of overseas Chinese are living in different countries and regions around the world, and the number is still rising.

He said China warmly welcomes overseas Chinese to come back to visit their motherland, and China appreciates the contribution of overseas Chinese in their promoting the exchanges between China and the world.