Safety worries mount for Chinese traveling abroad

Editor's note: A series of incidents involving Chinese citizens overseas has shocked the country and prompted public concern about the safety of Chinese people when traveling abroad.

A Chinese female tourist has drowned by snorkeling in the Maldives, Jan 2, 2014.

A Chinese hotel magnate was dead on Saturday after the helicopter crashed, Dec 21, 2013.

Two Chinese mountaineers were killed in a pre-dawn terrorist attack in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, June 23, 2013.

Four Chinese were fatally stabbed in Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, June 24, 2013.

Two high-school girls from Zhejiang province died in the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214, July 6, 2013.

A Chinese student has been identified as one of the victims in Boston Marathon explosions.

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International regions where risks are higher

Northern European countries, hit hard by the sovereign debt crisis and high rates of unemployment, have seen a rising number of crimes.

In many areas of Africa and Latin America conflicts between tribes and ethnic groups are usually the main cause of instability.

In some Southeast Asian countires, organizations that promote anti-Chinese sentiment are on the rise

In some muslim countries, some Chinese tourists disrespect local customs or vandalize historic relics. This often raise eyebrows among the locals.

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The central government should formulate a mechanism, including prevention, rescue and relief measures.

The government should improve consular protection by increasing investment in training to provide the staff with greater understanding of the law, finance, and economics.

Chinese Foreign Ministry launched the website of China Consular Affairs in 2011 to provide safety information to Chinese citizens abroad. [Visit the website]

Telephone hotline 12308 is open for Chinese people abroad to ask for help.

The companies abroad should organize staff to attend security meetings and tell them to adhere to strict safety disciplines.

Companies or people should avoid being engaged in shady business overseas, which is playing an extremely high-risk game.

Chinese enterprises should not be too strict to local employees and should do more charity work.

Chinese tourists should pay great respect to local people and observe local customs and public rules in foreign countires.

Chinese tourists should improve their awareness of security and have the ability to seek help any unpleasant or dangerous situations arise.

Chinese tourists should avoid ostentatious displays of wealth and not carry large amounts of cash or top-end clothing, watches, bags or jewelry.

Chinese tourists should prepare first-aid medicine during trips in foreign countries.

Chinese students should know about the environment and conditions of the school and should obey laws and respect local people.

Chinese students should emotionally prepare well for the lonely life abroad.

Chinese students should communicate with family frequently.