BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of overseas Chinese across the world are celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct.1.

Though living abroad, overseas Chinese are coming together in various ways to take part in celebrations that help honor and share Chinese traditions and cultures with local communities, catalyze cultural exchanges, and strengthen friendly diplomatic relations with host countries.

Overseas Chinese in Houston and Chicago held grand flag-raising ceremonies on Friday and Saturday to celebrate China's National Day at the Chinese Civic Center.

Hundreds of Chinese, Chinese Americans and local residents with different ethnic backgrounds attended the ceremony, watching the Chinese national flag being raised to the sounds of the Chinese national anthem.

People hold more deep-rooted feelings for their motherland when they live abroad, said Fan Yuxin, the chief executive of the Chinese Civic Center.

The celebrations also inspire Chinese to realize the aspirations articulated in national developments.

Acting Chinese Consul General in Chicago Liu Jun extended his greetings to Chinese nationals and Chinese Americans in the Greater Chicago area and Midwest United States, saying that "with the development of 69 years, China has achieved tremendous success, which is encouraging and inspiring for Chinese people all over the world."

"The achievements of China's reform and opening-up in the past 40 years are jointly made by all Chinese at home and abroad," said You Quan, a member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee.

During these celebrations, China's diplomatic missions host receptions dedicated to friendship and partnerships abroad with their host countries.

Chinese Consul General Li Qiangmin in Houston said that China-U.S. relations are the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1979, their have developed in an all-round way and have formed an inseparable community of interests.

"This December marks the 40th year anniversary of 'Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America,' and I hope we can together promote China-U.S. friendship," said Liu.

Besides the celebrations, diplomatic advances have fueled a more fruitful relationship.

Mayor London Breed of San Francisco in the U.S. state of California Friday declared China's upcoming National Day as Chinese-American Friendship and Heritage Day in San Francisco to underpin the city's desire to expand cooperation with China.

The San Francisco City Council held a ceremony at the City Hall Friday morning to celebrate China's National Day.

"This year marks the 39th anniversary of the founding of the San Francisco-Shanghai Sister City relationship, and we recognize the volunteers of our Sister City Committee who promote mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation between the people of both cities," Breed said.

She said that the celebration of China's National Day offers an opportunity to reaffirm San Francisco's commitment to encouraging deeper connections between the Chinese people and San Francisco.

Waving tiny Chinese and American flags, the spectators enjoyed traditional Chinese performances, such as dragon and lion dances, a qipao show, as well as Chinese folk dances and music.