China can better protect nationals abroad

The evacuation of Chinese from war-torn Yemen once again demonstrates China's will and capability to protect its nationals overseas at a rather short notice.

The conflict in Yemen has intensified and become more complicated as Shi'ite Houthi rebels advance on the capital Sana'a and government forces struggle to hold on. Besides, the Saudi Arabia-led air raids against the Houthi rebels have made the situation more chaotic.

Under such circumstances, China had to act promptly to protect its nationals working in Yemen. That's why, within hours of Saudi Arabia launching the air strikes on March 26, Beijing put its emergency evacuation plan into action. The next day, the Chinese naval fleet conducting routine anti-pirate patrols in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 made a detour for Yemen. A day later, a Chinese naval flotilla reached the port of Aden, Yemen's temporary capital. And by March 30, the ships evacuated all the 571 Chinese nationals from Yemen. Five days, that's what China needed to execute the entire mission.