China will arrange extra flights and charter flights for cities with viable destinations where a large number of overseas students in need are concentrated, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

File photo: CGTN

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a press briefing that some overseas students face various difficulties and need to return home, major air transportation guarantee mechanisms will be activated to arrange the extra flights.

As the global pandemic is spreading in multiple places, the Communist Party of China's Central Committee attaches great importance to and cares deeply about Chinese students abroad, she said.

The foreign ministry instructed over 280 Chinese embassies and consulates overseas to maintain close contact with overseas Chinese students, get to know their appeals and difficulties, and help them solve practical problems.

According to Hua, the diplomatic and consular staff arranged for medical teams and working groups to talk with the students face-to-face or online to provide science-based, professional guidelines. 

The diplomatic missions also mobilized resources to distribute “health kits” containing essential pandemic prevention materials and guidelines, doing whatever they can to address the students’ general concern and help them get through this rough patch, she said.

She also mentioned that after emergency coordination by relevant Chinese departments and civil aviation authorities, 200 Chinese students stranded in Ethiopia have returned home safe and sound.

At present, China still faces the risk of a rebound at home, and the spread of pandemic overseas has brought new challenges.

In light of the needs for prevention and control, those returning to China should comply with relevant regulations, including strict testing, isolation and observation for the sake of their health and for public security, Hua said.

(Compiled by Jiao Jingxian)