GENEVA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Qiao Zonghuai said Wednesday at a forum on international migration that China attaches great importance to the challenges and opportunities of migration issues.

Qiao said China is open to foreigners who come to the country for proper jobs and activities. He said the government has been making efforts in adjusting migration regulations to facilitate the normal flow of people.

China is strictly opposed to illegal migration and amendments have been made to relevant laws to tighten the control in this field, he said, adding the government has also been stepping up the awareness campaign among people living in regions that are major sources of emigration.

To woo back Chinese studying abroad, the government has offered such incentives as financial rewards, reduced tax rates and other favorable policies.

China is also active in international cooperation on migration affairs, Qiao said.

He said China has cooperated with over 40 nations in combating illegal migration and participated in the regional consultation mechanism aimed at tackling such problems as migration, refugees and the homeless in the Asia-Pacific region.