Hong Kong Metropolitan University held a talk on “Chinese Diplomacy and Consular Protection” on 10 October and invited as speaker Counselor Wei Wenxiu, Director General of the Consular Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (MFA) in the Hong Kong SAR. He analysed the international situation and elaborated on the strategy of major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and the concept of consular protection.

The international political and diplomatic situation is constantly changing, and political developments are of great relevance to the public. In his talk, Counselor Wei Wenxiu explained the tensions and changes among different countries, and analysed the international situation from the perspectives of economic development and political and social trends. He pointed out that the world is undergoing a significant transformation that has not been seen for over a century.

To achieve the diplomatic role of safeguarding peace and stability and achieving win-win cooperation, Counselor Wei illustrated the four pillars of major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, including building a human community with a shared future, adhering to the path of peaceful development, expanding global partnerships, and promoting international cooperation under the “Belt and Road Initiative”. Counselor Wei also introduced the concept and scope of consular protection, and explained the rights protection and assistance provided by Chinese diplomatic and consular missions to Chinese citizens and other legal persons with examples of various incidents and requests for assistance. The participants found the talk inspiring and the information provided useful, and actively engaged in asking questions and exchanging views with the speaker.

Counselor Wei Wenxiu is the Director General of the Consular Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the MFA in the Hong Kong SAR. Prior to his current position, he worked in the Department of Consular Affairs of the MFA, the Office of the Commissioner of the MFA in the Macao SAR, the Bureau for Retired Personnel of the MFA, the Chinese Embassy in the Commonwealth of Dominica, and the Department of External Security Affairs of the MFA.