China will push for legislation related to consular protection, as part of efforts to better protect the interests and welfare of Chinese citizens abroad, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

Wang outlined three major steps the ministry will take this year to better protect the interests of Chinese people abroad: upgrading the 12308 mobile app, implementing mobile payments at embassies and speeding up legislation efforts.

Wang, also China's State Councilor, made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing.

Last year, Chinese embassies handled over 80,000 consulate cases and over 370,000 calls, Wang noted, pledging more efforts to protect Chinese people's safety.

Wang also noted that Chinese citizens already have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access in 72 countries.