China handled more than 80,000 cases with strengthened consular protection efforts, issued over 6,000 alerts and evacuated thousands of Chinese citizens from Sudan, Palestine, Israel and other places over the past year, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.
The consular hotline 12308, operated by the Foreign Ministry, handled more than 530,000 calls last year, Wang said at a news conference.
"We have made every effort to protect the safety of overseas Chinese citizens," he said.
Noting that practicing diplomacy for the people is a ceaseless endeavor, Wang said that serving the people and meeting compatriots' expectations is the abiding mission of China's diplomacy.
This year, China will strengthen efforts in building a system for the protection of Chinese nationals and interests overseas and enhancing alert of safety risks, he said.
The country will also continue to improve consular service and upgrade "fast networks" for cross-border travel through accelerating the resumption of international passenger flights and reaching various forms of visa arrangements with more countries, he added.
Kosovo prepares a new draft law on renting prison cells to Denmark after the first proposal failed
From fantastic fjords to the magical Northern Lights: Why Norway is a must
Perfect respite from eight million mopeds and motorbikes: Inside the Park Hyatt Saigon
Mother's shock after pub she'd visited for eight years cancelled her Sunday meal booking
The government wants to buy their flood
Moment car almost smashes into a horse as police release footage of heart
Indonesia presidency: Prabowo Subianto on track to win
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
Indonesia presidency: Prabowo Subianto on track to win