BEIJING — China has taken proactive measures to safeguard the health of Chinese living and studying abroad amid the coronavirus outbreak, keeping close contact with local governments and related authorities, a senior Chinese diplomat said on March 26.

Other measures include learning the difficulties facing overseas Chinese and providing timely assistance and guidance, Vice-Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui said at a press conference held in Beijing.

Luo also highlighted the consular service for overseas Chinese citizens, especially Chinese students, and promised to continue to offer them assistance and protection against the epidemic and help solve their difficulties.

Noting that 90 percent of the imported cases on the Chinese mainland to date hold Chinese passports, 40 percent of whom are returning students, Luo reminded students of the risk of international travel under the current situation.

"We understand that some students are eager to return, but students and parents should seriously consider the pros and cons and make the right choice," Luo said.

The motherland is always the strong backing for overseas Chinese, Luo said. "We will continue to follow the epidemic situation and do our best to safeguard the health as well as rights and interests of Chinese citizens abroad."