In the evening of January 23 there was good news from Iraq. Eight Chinese nationals taken hostage by insurgents in Iraq for several days were released safely and returned to the Chinese Embassy in Iraq. The release is the result of joint emergency rescue efforts by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Chinese Embassy to Iraq and Chinese media under the instruction and concern of the Chinese Party and State leaders. The influential religious groups in Iraq also assisted in the rescue.

It can be seen from the hostage event with national media focus that the successful release of our eight compatriots kidnapped at gunpoint in Iraq has not only shown Chinese prestige and reputation in international affairs, but also proved once again that Chinese stand towards the Iraqi issue is righteous and popular.

After the eight Chinese nationals taken hostage in Iraq Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao have voiced concerns about the safety of the men, and ordered Foreign Ministry and Chinese Embassy officials to take every effective measure to gain their freedom. This fully embodies the Party and State��s concerns about Chinese nationals when they are in danger. In face of the hostage event Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated the Chinese government and people have always showed sympathy and support to the Iraqi people. The Chinese nationals taking part in the Iraqi reconstruction should not be taken hostage. At the same time, the relevant departments including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce issued emergency warnings once again to remind Chinese citizens not to travel to Iraq. On the other hand, the international community also accused the insurgents of kidnapping Chinese nationals and urged them to stop various terrorist activities against foreign nationals in Iraq.

In recent years, with the strengthening of Chinese national strength and frequent exchanges with foreign countries there is a continuous increase of Chinese nationals working in foreign countries. The lesson that the Chinese compatriots went to Iraq for work and suffered kidnapping is painful. Chinese compatriots who wish to work abroad in world��s hot areas may have some reasons, but it is vital for them to pay attention to the overall situation instead of being blind in taking a chance. Situation shows that many of the people going abroad for work in foreign countries have little understanding of international issues and the conditions of destination, especially they have no understanding of the danger in the hot areas and no metal readiness working there.

After the hostage event, the nation has paid close attention to the safety of the eight Chinese compatriots. The nation gave a collective sigh of relief upon the release of our eight compatriots kidnapped in Iraq. It is of relief and pride that our motherland indeed becomes strong with capability for handling various crises. But at the same time, people who wish to go abroad for work as well as managerial departments should learn a lesson from this and avoid repeating the similar events.

By People's Daily Online