BEIJING - China expects to introduce traditional culture to young overseas Chinese through summer camps and cultural programs, said the State Council Overseas Chinese Affairs Office Wednesday.

"Overseas Chinese" refers to people with Chinese origin but living abroad, some of whom maintain Chinese citizenship and some of whom have become foreign citizens. Currently more than 60 million of them are living in about 200 countries and regions.

China hopes the younger generations of overseas Chinese, mostly born or raised abroad, can keep in touch with their cultural origins, said Qiu Yuanping, director of the office.

About 1,200 summer camps held in China and sponsored by the government are expected to attract about 100,000 teenagers and children from overseas Chinese families in the next three years, Qiu said.

The government also plans to sponsor 15 teams of Chinese students to visit Chinese schools in other countries and exchange with overseas Chinese students, as well as hold writing contests in the Chinese language and Chinese culture quiz competitions, according to Qiu.