Beijing Vows To Protect Taiwanese Abroad

A Beijing official said on Wednesday that Taiwanese people are "naturally eligible" for consular protection and assistance from the mainland when they are overseas.

Xinhua News Agency said a spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, An Fengshan, made the remark after being asked at a press conference whether mainland institutions can provide such help to people from Taiwan.

"We have always attached high importance to, and safeguarded, the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots overseas," Xinhua quoted An as saying.

He said Taiwanese people could seek assistance from Chinese embassies and consulates in the countries they are visiting or residing in.

Taiwan has dozens of its own diplomatic missions and a number official embassies across the world which help any citizens who find themselves in trouble.