Diplomat's Libya evacuation tale gives overseas Chinese sense of state care

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More than 400 Chinese gathered here Tuesday to listen to a senior Chinese diplomat recount his experience during a massive evacuation of Chinese from war-battered Libya seven years ago.

In his two-hour talk, Consul General in San Francisco Luo Linquan, who had served as the Chinese ambassador to Greece in 2011, disclosed many untold details about the Chinese Government's resolute move to evacuate over 13,500 Chinese stranded in Libya in 2011.

Within four hours of receiving instructions from the government, the Chinese embassy in Greece met with Greek cabinet members and other high-ranking officials to arrange the evacuation via sea to Greece.

Thanks to the help of overseas Chinese in Greece and various Greek institutions, the embassy quickly completed all necessary preparations, including boarding and border exit-entry procedures as well as renting three cruise ships and 100 buses.

Within days, the embassy had helped about 13,580 Chinese retreat from restive Libya to Crete, the largest island in Greece, about 700 km away from Libyan capital Tripoli across the Mediterranean Sea.

The massive evacuation also saved 1,100 foreign nationals from 11 countries, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Greece, Thailand, Italy and Poland.

Luo's touching account moved the audience, who said the endeavor showcased the Chinese Government's dedication to the welfare of its people.

Chi Honghu, a consultant with China Overseas Exchange Association, said he was a frequent guest of the Chinese consulate general for three decades but "it's the first time today for me to hear such an emotional story".

"I've seen the increasing protection the Chinese Government has been giving to overseas Chinese in the past 40 years since China opened up to the outside world," he said.

"Luo's story will encourage me to carry forward the spirit of patriotism and continue to better serve the overseas Chinese and Chinese communities in the United States," he remarked.

Florence Fang, a community leader in San Francisco, said the evacuation showcased the Chinese Government's responsibility toward its people, and the strength of China as an emerging, peaceful power.

Lulu Angela, who works at a high-tech company in Silicon Valley, said Luo's story made her feel the government's warmth and care for overseas Chinese.

"Wherever you may be, the powerful motherland always stands behind you,"she said. 

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