On March 8, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi elaborated Foreign Ministry’s measures on the diplomatic work serving the people.

Wang Yi said, serving the people is the abiding mission of the diplomatic work of the People’s Republic of China, and strengthening the system of safety protection for Chinese nationals and interests overseas is the unremitting pursuit of the Chinese foreign service in the new era. In the past year, we dealt with more than 100 major emergencies involving Chinese nationals and institutions overseas, processed over 79,000 cases in which consular protection and assistance are needed, handled over 600,000 phone calls via the 12308 consular hotline, issued over 3,000 overseas security alerts, secured the release of more than 50 Chinese compatriots kidnapped in Africa, and worked with neighboring countries to crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud, bringing back tens of thousands of individuals.

Wang Yi pointed out, in the past year, we firmly protected the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies abroad, and urged governments of host countries to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and projects. At the same time, we resolutely countered unwarranted suppression targeting Chinese companies, and helped them strengthen risk preparedness and the ability to defend their interests through legal means. Our diplomats have a strong sense of mission. Some of them are stationed for years in regions affected by conflicts and turmoil; some are exposed to a high risk of diseases everyday; and some work and live in modified shipping containers or severely hypoxic conditions at high altitudes. But they fulfill their duties with no complaint or regret. As we speak, our embassies and consulates in Iran and other Gulf states are working hard to ensure the evacuation and safety of Chinese nationals. Let me put it this way: Where there is the Chinese flag flying, there are Chinese diplomats on duty; where there is want or need from Chinese compatriots, there is heart-warming care of the Party and the government.

Wang Yi delivered a message to all Chinese abroad: While you may be facing a world of chaos and turbulence, you have behind you a motherland as firm as a rock. We will, as always, put our people first, further strengthen overseas security protection capabilities, and build a security risk prevention system that covers the entire globe.