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)