China launches mobile app for emergency response to its citizens abroad

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday launched a mobile application which will provide consular services to citizens overseas, especially emergency response to those in distress.

The app issues safety travel alerts and updates concerning major emergencies involving Chinese citizens abroad, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told media here.

It also issues important information, including on visas and other consular documents, he said.

The app allows people to call 12308, the hotline for emergency security services for Chinese citizens, through the Internet, so people don't have to pay extra for making international phone calls, Geng said.

This will make it easier for Chinese citizens running into difficulties abroad to obtain consular protection and services from the ministry, embassies and consulates at the earliest, he said.

The app, waijiaobu12308, is the ministry's latest online consular service,