The importance of ethnic unity and social stability were among the major themes at the start of the 8th National Congress of Returned Overseas Chinese and their Relatives, which opened yesterday in Beijing.

The All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese chairman, Lin Jun, delivered the federation's work report, looking back on the past five years, at the Great Hall of the People.

"Ethnic unity and social stability is in the interest of the Chinese people, including all ethnic groups," Lin said.