A PRODUCTIVE FOREIGN POLICY FOR THE PEOPLE

Decisive to the success of the monolithic task are China's growing national strength, its social stability and the advantages of its socialist system, which vests the country with the ability to mobilize all the resources needed for an arduous mission.

With China's rapid development, an increasing number of Chinese people and businesses are "going global," and the chances of Chinese nationals being endangered by events around the world are also mounting. Accordingly, Beijing has been paying increasing attention to the wellbeing of the Chinese people abroad. Since the 2006 evacuation from East Timor, the Chinese government has rolled out dozens of such operations.

"It is an inevitable trend that Chinese citizens and enterprises go abroad... Our protection umbrella will be extended to wherever there are our overseas interests," said Song of the Foreign Ministry, citing China's rising international status, expanding influence and growing national strength as "very important" contributors.

Also important to the latest successful evacuation is Beijing's consistent practice of a peace-oriented foreign policy, which has seen China make friends with many countries across the world, including Greece, Malta, Egypt, Tunisia and Sudan, which, among others, have greatly contributed to the Chinese undertaking.

"When others have difficulties, we do our best to offer help... You have helped him, and he naturally will help you when you need help," the vice foreign minister said.

As a responsible heavyweight player on the world stage, China also commits itself to international humanitarianism. During the intense evacuation, China also rescued 2,100 people from 12 other countries, including Vietnamese, Filipinos and Bangladeshis.

"Whatever the circumstances, they will never be left unattended. This is our commitment to them," Guo Shaochun, a senior consular protection official at the Foreign Ministry told frontline diplomats in reference to the foreign employees of Chinese businesses in Libya.

China's swift and orderly evacuation was applauded by many foreign witnesses. "This evacuation mission showcased to all of us what it really means to care for others, for your compatriots in danger. Our world would be a better place if all governments could spare no efforts to protect their peoples and all citizens could rush to help each other in time of need," said Patritsia Massouraki, a resident of the Greek island of Crete, an important transfer station in the Chinese operation.

The epic evacuation has demonstrated once again that China will always stand behind its people, no matter where they are. What Li Shijie, an employee of a Chinese company, said upon arriving at Crete resonated among all the evacuees, their families and the broader Chinese public: "We are proud of being Chinese!"