MACAO, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Overseas Chinese pro-reunification organizations throughout the world are playing an important role in fostering the broadest united front against Taiwan-independence, expressed a senior Chinese leader here Thursday.

    In his congratulating letter to the Overseas Chinese World Conference for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China, Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the organizations are also underpinning the recognition of one China by the international community and pushing forward the great undertaking of China's peaceful reunification.

    Noting that so far there are more than 170 such organizations in more than 80 countries and regions, Jia said they have grown into a strong force against Taiwan-independence secessionists.

    The conference, which opened here Thursday, calls on all Chinese compatriots worldwide to resolutely oppose Taiwan-independence secessionism.

    Jia said under the current situation of seeking peace, development and cooperation, continuous efforts should be made to strive for peace and bliss for the peoples across the Taiwan Straits by deepening communications and cooperation between them.

    In her keynote speech at the conference, CPPCC National Committee Vice Chairwoman Liu Yandong said over the past years, particularly since the new century, the overseas Chinese pro-reunification organizations all over the world have spared no efforts in shaping up a good situation of anti-secession by uniting all Chinese compatriots worldwide.

    They have become a distinct banner in the anti-Taiwan independence movement, she said.

    The two-day event gathered over 1,000 delegates from some 50 countries and regions around the world. It is the first time that the conference is held in China.

    Macao Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah officiated at the meeting.