Chinese FM stresses protection of Chinese nationals, interests overseas

Strengthening protection for the safety and interests of Chinese nationals overseas is the unremitting pursuit of the Chinese foreign service in the new era, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Wang briefed the media on China's endeavor to protect its nationals and businesses overseas at a press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), which runs from Thursday to March 12.

"In the past year, we have been dedicated to safeguarding the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies operating overseas. We have urged host countries to protect Chinese citizens and projects. At the same time, we have taken resolute countermeasures against unreasonable suppressions targeting Chinese enterprises, and helped companies strengthen their ability to prevent risks and defend their legal rights," he said.

"China's diplomatic personnel are fulfilling their noble duty from across the world. Some remain at their posts in war-torn and unstable regions. Some face daily health threats in disease-prone regions. Others even work and live in container-converted offices and homes or in plateau environments where oxygen levels are low. Yet all of them carried out their duties dedicatedly without any complaint. At this very moment, Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and Gulf countries are working to ensure the evacuation and safety of Chinese citizens. It can be said that wherever China's five-star red flag flies, there are Chinese diplomatic personnel standing guard. Wherever Chinese compatriots have expectations and needs, they can feel the warmth and care of the Party and the government," said Wang.

"I want to tell our compatriots overseas: the world in front of you may be turbulent, but the motherland behind you remains rock-solid. We will continue to put the people first, further enhance our overseas security protection capabilities, and build a global system for preventing security risks," the foreign minister said.

Chinese FM stresses protection of Chinese nationals, interests overseas

China will raise its retail prices of gasoline and diesel from Tuesday, following a sharp rise in international oil prices, the country's top economic planner said on Monday.

Gasoline and diesel prices will increase by 695 yuan (about 100.5 U.S. dollars) and 670 yuan per tonne, respectively, according to a statement released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The NDRC's price monitoring center said that developments in the Middle East will be the key factor influencing global oil price trends in the period ahead.

China's three biggest oil companies -- the China National Petroleum Corporation, the China Petrochemical Corporation, and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation -- and other refineries have been directed to maintain production and facilitate transportation to ensure stable supplies.

Relevant departments in various regions should intensify their market supervision and inspection efforts. They should implement strict measures to crack down on activities that violate national pricing policies to ensure market order, the NDRC said.

China to raise gasoline, diesel retail prices