The Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom has recently received several requests for assistance concerning Chinese nationals who have gone missing or lost contact with their families. In a statement released on Monday, the embassy urged Chinese citizens living in the UK, as well as their families, to strengthen safety precautions and take measures to avoid losing contact.
For Chinese citizens in the UK, the embassy emphasized the importance of maintaining regular communication with family members. Upon arrival in the UK, individuals are encouraged to share their local contact details, including phone numbers and addresses, as well as information for emergency contacts such as friends, classmates, or colleagues. Staying in touch regularly and responding promptly to messages from family members was strongly advised, according to the statement.
The embassy also recommended establishing a “code word” system between individuals and their families. In the event of danger or an emergency, a pre-agreed signal can help alert family members and facilitate timely assistance.
When planning travel, particularly to areas with poor communication signals, Chinese nationals should inform family or close friends in advance and make it a priority to report their safety as soon as communication is restored. In cases of emotional distress or family conflict, the embassy urged individuals to engage in open communication and avoid impulsive actions that could lead to losing contact, said the statement.
The advisory also addressed family members of Chinese citizens residing in the UK. It encouraged families to maintain comprehensive contact information—not only of their relatives in the UK, but also of their close contacts. For parents of Chinese students studying in the UK, it is recommended to keep records of student ID numbers, academic programs, and contact details for school support services, academic advisors, classmates, roommates, apartment managers, or landlords.
Families are advised to stay in regular contact with their loved ones abroad, paying attention to their physical and mental well-being and whereabouts, said the statement. If contact is lost for an extended period beyond the expected time frame, immediate action should be taken to avoid delays in locating the individual.
In the event of an emergency, the embassy urged families to remain calm and to report the situation to local British police as soon as possible. Efforts to locate the individual should be made through all available channels, including emergency contacts in the UK. If needed, families may also reach out to the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the UK for assistance.
