Recently, the extremist organization Islamic State (ISIS) killed Chinese citizen Fan Jinghui. "Could the Chinese army have rescued him through military means? Are they capable of undertaking rescue missions abroad?" Reporters had raised such concerns at a press conference of the Chinese defense ministry on Nov. 26.
A Chinese citizen was wounded in terrorist attacks in Paris on Nov. 13. The ISIS killed a Chinese hostage on Nov. 19. Three Chinese company senior managers were killed in a hotel at Bamako, the capital of Mali, on Nov. 20.
Chinese President Xi Jinping gave remarks after such incidents occurred. He condemned the brutal atrocities, extended deep sympathy to bereaved families and requested Beijing strengthen its security abroad for Chinese citizens and organizations.
"Four Chinese citizens were cruelly killed by terrorists abroad recently. We expressed profound condolences to the victims and our deep sympathies for bereaved families. Terrorism is the common enemy of human beings. China opposes all kinds of terrorism and contributes to strengthening international anti-terrorist cooperation. Undertaking the mission of anti-terrorism, the Chinese army is determined and able to defend national sovereignty, security and development, and would do their jobs, according to arrangements of the country." said, Colonel Wu Qian, deputy director of Information Services Department and spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense.
In recent years, the number of overseas Chinese and enterprises has surged. The number of outbound Chinese has exceeded 100 million, making the largest mobile group abroad. More than 20,000 enterprises and millions of Chinese people are living and working around the world.
Meanwhile, the overseas security situation has gotten more complicated and emergencies have taken place from time to time. In 2015, the Chinese government maintains the principle of people first and conducting diplomacy for the people, and tries its best to protect safety and legitimate rights for overseas institutions and citizens.
Nearly 20 people had been rescued from kidnappings and hijackings abroad; 613 people evacuated safely from turbulent Yemen and 5,685 people returned from Nepal after a powerful earthquake struck. Beijing has properly dealt with nearly 60,000 consular protection cases regarding fellow citizens' rights and security worldwide.
China protection goes where Chinese goes.
The Chinese navy fleet, which was embarking on escort tasks in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, went to Yemen, it was the first time Beijing had deployed warships to evacuate overseas Chinese. This demonstrates the Chinese troops' resolution and capabilities.
With implementation of the 13th FiveYear Plan (2016-2020), China will accelerate its opening-up. Accordingly, more Chinese will go abroad.
In 2016, bearing a high degree of responsibility for the people and strong sense of mission for the nation, Beijing will expedite the construction of overseas livelihood projects to protect the legitimate rights and interests, as well as life and property security of overseas Chinese people and enterprises.
The Chinese government and army have wholeheartedly assumed the responsibility for its citizens' welfare and will continue to fulfill the obligation to care for the country and overseas Chinese too.
By Xu Huan, deputy director, associate researcher of Foreign Theoretical Trends
