Save 12308 and the local Chinese consulate's protection number, and carry a paper copy
China's global consular emergency line is 12308 from within China or +86-10-12308 abroad. The cited reporting records over 3 million calls since launch, alongside over 500,000 consular-protection cases handled by the foreign ministry and overseas missions.
What it takes
Free; a few minutes to save and copy two numbers.
What you may gain
The 24-hour line can be reached in China at 12308 and overseas at +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308. From its 2014 launch through the cited reporting, it received over 3 million calls; the ministry and missions handled over 500,000 protection cases during that period.
Context & considerations
The local embassy/consulate has its own protection number and may respond more directly than the central line. Find it by country on the consular website. A lost or dead phone makes saved contacts useless, so put a handwritten copy in your wallet or give it to family.
Research & references
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and missions in Myanmar (2023). Consular Warning on the Current Security Situation in Northern Myanmar. https://cs.mfa.gov.cn/zggmzhw/lsbh/aqtx/202311/t20231109_11176682.shtml; State Council Information Office (2023). Policy Briefing on Consular Protection and Assistance. https://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2023zccfh/11/index.htm