36 Chinese students abroad diagnosed with COVID-19

As many as 36 Chinese students abroad have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus pneumonia, said Vice-Minister of Education Tian Xuejun on Thursday.

They all have received good treatment, and of them, 11 were discharged from the hospital, Tian said.

China's diplomatic missions would start their emergency response as soon as they find such cases, he said.

Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu said of the 1.6 million total people from China who study overseas, about 1.4 million are remaining abroad.

They made the choice according to medical experts' advice to reduce unnecessary travel, Ma said at the news conference.

Such decisions will help them avoid cross-infection during travel or being stranded in transit countries due to canceled flights. It also avoids the possible influence of future issues concerning the validity of their student visas, Ma said.

China will help bring them back if they really have the need, and they should follow quarantine measures in China, he said.