China handled more than 30,000 consular cases in 2006 to protect
the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese nationals
overseas, according to figures from China's Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.
The figure of such cases for 2005 was 29,000. The increasing
number was driven by the steady growth of Chinese going abroad and
the changing political, economic and security circumstances, said
Wei Wei, director of the Department of Consular Affairs of the
ministry.
Official statistics show that outbound Chinese travelers totaled
only 280,000 persons from 1949 to 1979, but the 2006 figure soared
to 32 million. China is now the largest source of travelers in
Asia.
More Chinese went abroad for business, tour, education or
employment purposes and more Chinese enterprises were strengthening
their presence in foreign countries.
However, it was not easy times for overseas Chinese nationals in
2006. Chinese casualties were more frequently found in physical
attacks, robberies, bomb explosions, kidnappings, fishery disputes,
traffic accidents and natural disasters overseas.
To help the nationals be better prepared for a safe stay outside
China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry released about 400 special
notices on outbound traveling at the website of www.fmprc.gov.cn,
up by almost 50 percent compared with the number of 2005.
This year also saw unprecedented governmental efforts to help
overseas Chinese return home from Solomon Islands, East Timor,
Lebanon and Tonga due to local social turbulences or military
conflicts.
Wei said the Chinese nationals should be more aware of the risks
and circumstances in foreign countries, try to better adapt
themselves to local customs, learn more legal means and keep in
touch with Chinese embassies or consulates so as to avoid mishaps
and safeguard their legal rights and interests.
In order to have a nice trip, Chinese travelers should also
behave properly during their stay in foreign countries, Wei
added.
At present, China has established diplomatic relations with 169
countries and set up over 220 embassies and consulates.
(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2007)