Co-organized by the Embassy of China in the United Kingdom, Guangdong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Guangdong Provincial Department of Education, a pre-departure briefing was held at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies on May 9th.

The briefing aims to help the students who are going to study in the U.K. to better prepare for their trip.

Liu Xiaoming, Ambassador of China to the United Kingdom, delivered a speech through video. He wished the students not only can realize their dream in the “Golden Era” between Chin and the U.K, but also can show a real China to the world.

He also reminded the students to pay high attention to protecting themselves in foreign countries.

“The Chinese Embassy will always provide support for the students’ studying and living in the U.K.” Liu added.

Ye Lan, Director of Consular Assistance Division of Guangdong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, gave an explanation on security risk and consular protection by sharing some related cases happened before.

“Terrorist attacks happen around the world time to time, ” Ye said. “Remember to mark down the local emergency phone number before you set off.”

“Do not forget to call (+86010)12308 when you are in danger. ” Ye added.

Chinese government attaches great important to consular protection for Chinese citizens living, working and studying abroad. 12308 consular hotline and 12308 mini program, also the website and wechat public account “Your journey to the UK”were launch to provide better service, such as information checking and consular protection.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China (MFA), in 2018, MFA and Chinese embassies in foreign countries has dealt with consular protection cases in total of more than 80 thousand. The 12308 consular hotline handled 370,000 calls, twice as much as amount in 2017.

Author: Jasmine Hui (Intern)

Editor: Olivia Ouyang, Steven Yuen