The Chinese Foreign Ministry has opened a 24-hour hotline with worldwide access to help Chinese citizens in difficulties abroad.
The hotline is the first unified system aimed at helping Chinese citizens abroad.
Chinese citizens who face difficulties and emergencies in foreign countries can seek consular protection and assistance from their home country via the hotline.
They can access operator service by dialing 0086+10+12308.
At the hotline's opening ceremony, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi dialed the number.
He says the opening of the center marks a milestone in improving the level of consular protection and service.
Huang Ping, director of the Ministry's department of consular affairs, says a total of 20 back up lines are available to ensure smooth connection.
Apart from the help hotline, the call center will further coordinate the consular service website and enhance the Foreign Ministry's official Wechat account, so as to provide better and more comprehensive services to Chinese citizens abroad.