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Chinese citizens evacuated from Lebanon are seen at the Port of Limassol, Cyprus, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

As the Lebanon-Israel conflict escalated, the Chinese government organized two batches of evacuation of overseas Chinese, which has aroused attention from all walks of life. According to a recent report of Jornal San Wa Ou, a Macao newspaper, during the evacuation, one of the evacuees was from China's Taiwan region. The report, citing Taiwan media, noted that even the "foreign affairs department" of the Taiwan island authorities admitted that with the help of the mainland, the Taiwan student left Lebanon aboard a cargo ship arranged by mainland authorities. The Taiwan authorities reportedly said it closely followed the process.

During the evacuation organized by China, Taiwan compatriots again received assistance, leading to political and media circles in Taiwan island debating the issue. Among them, Yuan Juzheng, a professor of philosophy in Taiwan, praised the mainland's diplomatic efforts during a program and suggested that if Taiwan residents "want to ensure their safety abroad, they should carry a Taiwan compatriot permit." He also said that every time there is a war abroad, the mainland's evacuation activities start very early. "I wonder how Taiwan people feel when they board mainland evacuation vehicles or ships and receive protection? The meaning of the evacuation explains everything."

Jornal San Wa Ou also highlighted instances where the mainland assisted Taiwan compatriots in evacuation operations. The report stated that for a long time, whenever the mainland initiated evacuation actions, they would help Taiwan compatriots who couldn't receive assistance from Taiwan authorities. The Chinese mainland has consistently treated Taiwan compatriots as Chinese citizens and evacuated them alongside mainland residents.

Evacuees from Lebanon disembark from a ship at the Port of Limassol, Cyprus, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Song Zhizhu/Xinhua)

 

A girl evacuated from Lebanon embraces her mother at the Port of Limassol, Cyprus, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

 
For example, in June 2003, a civil war broke out in Liberia, prompting the Chinese mainland to initiate a evacuation operation, helping a total of 36 overseas Chinese, including Taiwan compatriots.

On April 18, 2006, riots occurred in the Solomon Islands, resulting in the burning of more than 60 Chinese shops in local Chinatown and severely impacting hundreds of overseas Chinese. The Chinese Foreign Ministry activated an emergency mechanism overnight, dispatching charter flights to evacuate these overseas Chinese in four batches from the Solomon Islands to Papua New Guinea, and then sending a government charter flight from the Chinese mainland to bring back 310 overseas Chinese to South China's Guangdong Province, among whom were also Taiwan compatriots.

In January 2008, fierce fighting broke out between anti-government forces and the Chadian government army, posing a serious threat to the lives and property of overseas Chinese and personnel of Chinese-funded institutions. The Chinese Foreign Ministry quickly activated an emergency mechanism, and with the full assistance of the Chinese embassy in Chad and Chinese embassies and consulates in France, Cameroon and Gabon, all 411 Chinese citizens were safely evacuated from Chad, including compatriots from Taiwan.

On September 4, 2018, after a typhoon and an earthquake struck Osaka, Japan, the Chinese Consulate General in Osaka assisted a total of 1,044 Chinese travelers stranded in Osaka, including 32 from Taiwan. In contrast, the Taiwan island's so-called representative office in Japan was criticized for its slow response, failing to provide timely assistance to Taiwan people. Many complained to the media that the office not only did not proactively assist during the incident but also stated that those in need had to email to request help. Some travelers reported that when they called the office, the staff had a poor attitude and did not provide assistance.

The report noted that the central government places great importance on ensuring that Taiwan compatriots are also assisted during the evacuation operations. Whether in the previous evacuation operation in Libya or in Ukraine, the Chinese leaders have issued guidance and directives. This spirit has also been incorporated into national policy documents. According to the 14th of the "26 measures" to benefit Taiwan, Taiwan compatriots can seek consular protection and assistance and apply for travel documents at embassies and consulates of the People's Republic of China overseas.

The report stated that the Chinese government's chartered evacuation flights not only reflect the concern and care of the Chinese leader and the central government for overseas Chinese but also demonstrate that China's national strength has developed to a point where it can provide safety and protection for overseas Chinese. The chartered evacuation indicates that China's people-first governance philosophy has been deeply integrated into the country's diplomatic policies. The inclusion of Taiwan compatriots in these operations underscores that the motherland is a strong support for all Chinese citizens, including those from Taiwan, the report added.