Q: Recently, certain press and “non-governmental organization” have circulated disinformation about China’s consular assistance volunteer service, claiming that it has strengthened control over overseas Chinese. What is your comment on this?

A: We have noted that Le Soir, citing a so-called “non-governmental organization” report, has published a misleading article that defames China’s consular assistance volunteer service. The Chinese side hence expresses its strong discontent.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to ensuring safety and protecting lawful rights and interests of overseas Chinese citizens and institutes. When overseas Chinese citizens, legal persons and unincorporated organizations find their legitimate rights and interests violated or need help, Chinese diplomatic missions overseas will provide law-based assistance and protect their legitimate rights and interests.

To provide consular protection and assistance to Chinese citizens and relevant institutes in Belgium is an important mission of the Chinese Embassy in Belgium. As of October of this year, the Embassy has received over 500 requests for consular protection and assistance, among which nearly 100 cases are related to public security. To handle cases related to Chinese citizens in a timely and effective manner and to serve public good, some compassionate Chinese compatriots living and working in Belgium have voluntarily offered necessary assistance to the Embassy in providing consular protection. When providing voluntary service, they have strictly observed local laws and regulations. Such service does not involve exercising consular functions. There are similar practices by other countries as well. We urge relevant press and “NGO” to be objective and fully understand the benevolent nature of the consular assistance volunteer service, stop spreading disinformation, and refrain from acting as mouthpieces for China-related lies and rumors.