| Protection and assistance of its citizens has been the most crucial duty of a nationsince consul came into being. China’s consular system originated in Tang Dynastyand developed in modern times. However, due to the national strength and theauthorities’ philosophy, the authorities could never protect the interests of overseascitizens effectively. Since the founding of new China, consular protection haswitnessed gradual improvement and perfection. Particularly since2004, China’sconsular protection has entered a new era of rather quick development as thelegislative construction is accelerated, special funds established, mechanism ofemergency, coordination, prevention, early warning, consultation and negotiationbuilt, wider police and enforcement cooperation pursued and armed forces resorted to.Nevertheless, China’s consular protection faces great challenges such asinsufficiency of inputs and capacities, defective legal system, poor security awarenessof the citizens and enterprises, shortage of plural participation, and incompatibilitywith new media, etc. China should further strengthen capacity building, expedite legalsystem construction, vigorously carry out preventive consular protection, encourageand guide participation of various social forces, and cultivate and enhance media andpublic relations ability. |
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