Overseas Taiwan compatriots naturally eligible for consular protection: mainland spokesperson

BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan compatriots overseas are naturally eligible for consular protection and assistance, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.

An Fengshan, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a regular press conference when commenting on whether relevant mainland institutions can provide consular protection and assistance for Taiwan compatriots traveling or living abroad.

"We have always attached high importance to and safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots overseas," An said, adding that the mainland has actively worked to provide consular protection and assistance for Taiwan compatriots overseas over the years.

They can seek consular protection and assistance by the mainland through the hotline number 12308, directly calling the embassies and consulates at their destinations, or using the mobile app of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and WeChat public account of its consular service, An said.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual parliamentary session in March this year that the country's diplomats will offer better consular protection services for Chinese overseas.