Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

At a Sunday press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined China's consular efforts over the past year. These include handling more than 100 major emergencies involving Chinese citizens and institutions overseas, processing over 79,000 cases of consular protection and assistance, answering more than 600,000 calls to the 12308 consular hotline. He also noted that the ministry issued over 3,000 overseas safety alerts, and successfully rescued more than 50 of compatriots from kidnappings  situations in Africa. 

China has also worked closely with neighboring countries to crack down on cross-border gambling and telecom fraud, leading to repatriation of tens of thousands of individuals, according to Wang.

In the past year, we have resolutely safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of overseas Chinese enterprises, urged host governments to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects, and firmly opposed any unwarranted suppression of Chinese companies. We have helped businesses enhance their risk prevention capabilities and their ability to protect their rights through legal means, the Chinese foreign minister said. 

Wang said that the diplomatic personnel from China are stationed all over the world, shouldering a glorious mission. Some have remained steadfast for long periods in regions plagued by conflict and turmoil; others face daily threats from high disease prevalence. Some even live and work in shipping container offices or in high-altitude environments with severe oxygen deficiency. Yet, they all perform their duties diligently without complaint or regret.

Additionally, he noted that at this very moment, Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and Gulf countries are working tirelessly to ensure the evacuation and safety of Chinese citizens in the region.

It can be said that wherever the five-starred red flag flies, there Chinese diplomats stand guard; wherever our compatriots look with hope, there the warmth of the Party and the government is felt, Wang said.

Wang emphasized that, "the world before you may be fraught with chaos, but the motherland behind you is steady as a mountain."

China will continue to put the people-centered, further enhance its overseas security protection capabilities, and build a global system for preventing security risks, he said. 

Global Times