BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- China's foreign ministry and embassies and consulates overseas handled more than 80,000 consular protection cases in 2018, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday.

The consular helpline 12308, operated by the foreign ministry, handled 370,000 calls last year, doubling the number in 2017, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the country's annual legislative session.

A total of 72 countries and regions now grant visa free or visa on arrival entry to Chinese tourists, he said.

Wang also noted other plans that the ministry has made for this year to benefit citizens, including promoting the legislation on consular protection and assistance, and upgrading its 12308 smartphone app to make it a one-stop portal.