Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday the ministry and the country’s embassies will provide better services to its citizens abroad.

(Photo: CGTN)

In 2017, Chinese people made 130 million overseas trips, and the Foreign Ministry handled more than 70,000 cases [for consular protection]. The “12308” hotline served 100,000 more than in 2016, Wang said.

He added that the ministry issued more than 1,000 safety alerts in 2017.

In 2018, he said the ministry is eyeing an overseas security system, and that the “12308” app will be launched to provide more convenient services.

Starting Friday, Chinese embassies will also significantly reduce the number of consular service-related costs, Wang said.