China MFA launches 'Foreign Ministry 12308' app

Screenshot of the Foreign Ministry 12308 app in app store

“China’s foreign ministry has launched an app “Foreign Ministry 12308” that allows Chinese nationals to call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) 12308 hotline anytime and anywhere in the world, with no global roaming fees”, said MFA spokesperson Geng Shuang.

The hotline was opened on September 2, 2014, to provide 24-hour consular protection and service for Chinese nationals by the Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Call Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“This app, together with our Wechat official account and Weibo of 12308, will simultaneously issue overseas security reminders, handle major overseas emergencies involving Chinese nationals, introduce important Chinese and foreign visa system arrangements and important policies and information concerning the issuance of consular documents for Chinese nationals,” said Geng Shuang.

“We hope that Chinese nationals download this app, and we look forward to hearing some valuable advice so that we could enrich and improve the functions and contents of this app,” said Geng at a regular press conference on Wednesday.