The kidnapping of five Chinese workers in Nigeria over the weekend sounds an alarm bell that the safety of the ever-increasing number of Chinese working overseas needs to be high on the agenda of our diplomatic missions.

With the country getting increasingly involved in globalization, the total number of Chinese engaged in economic activities overseas has surpassed 600,000, with more than 8,000 firms and relevant institutions spread around 170 countries.

The kidnapping or killing of Chinese engineers and workers by gangsters in Pakistan, Iraq, Russia, South Africa and other countries speaks volumes on the potential danger our compatriots face on foreign soil.