China commended 642 organizations and 676 individuals at a conference held Friday in Beijing for their outstanding work promoting unity among China's many ethnic groups.

Presided by Jia Qinglin, Chinese President Hu Jintao addressed the conference on affairs of ethnic groups, calling on enhancing unity of the Chinese nation.

Other state leaders Wen Jiabao, Zeng Qinghong, Huang Ju, Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun and Luo Gan attended the conference.

At the conference, State Councilor Hua Jianmin read a decision of the State Council to honor these organizations and individuals, which also calls on people of all ethnic groups to follow these examples to promote building harmonious society, enhance unity of all ethnic groups, maintain social stability.

Source: Xinhua