# China diaspora engagement and national development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-diaspora-engagement-and-national-development > Updated: 2026-08-15T11:30:38.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. President Xi Jinping has called upon the overseas Chinese diaspora and returned expatriates to support China’s national development and reunification goals. During the National Conference on Overseas Chinese Affairs, Xi urged the estimated 60 million Chinese citizens living abroad to mobilize their expertise, resources, and networks to aid national rejuvenation. This mobilization effort is increasingly viewed as a strategic response to domestic demographic challenges. As China faces a shrinking labor pool and a rapidly aging population—with approximately 23% of citizens aged 60 or older—the government aims to convert previous “brain drain” into a “brain gain.” To facilitate this, China utilizes institutional support through the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and has established science parks and special economic zones to encourage professionals trained in developed nations to return and contribute to economic growth. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-15: China seeks to leverage overseas diaspora to combat aging population China is urging its 60 million overseas citizens to return or contribute their expertise and capital to help combat the nation's aging population and shrinking workforce. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-seeks-to-leverage-overseas-diaspora-to-combat-aging-population ### 2026-07-29: China’s President Xi Jinping calls on overseas Chinese to aid national rejuvenation President Xi Jinping urged overseas Chinese and returned expatriates to use their networks and resources to support China’s development and national reunification at a Beijing conference. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinas-president-xi-jinping-calls-on-overseas-chinese-to-aid-national-rejuvenation --- Cite as: China diaspora engagement and national development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-diaspora-engagement-and-national-development