Originally Posted by
Clipper801
I generally think of the infamous Manila hostage incident, natural disaster or unexpected civil disturbance such as the riots in Tibet a while ago that requires an emergency evacuation.
Your consulate will not be able to help if you enter China with a Chinese travel document.
However, it is also known that consular assistance has been denied to “foreigners” of Chinese origin even though they had entered on a foreign passport.
Bottom line – “entitled but may not get” vs. “not entitled so don’t even bother to ask”.
It's a personal choice.
Yes and sad the MNL hostage situation is the prime example of earning a citizenship (Canada) and not using it. The HK origin Canadian family could have used their Canadian passport to enter PH. There is no time or monetary savings using HKSAR passport.
Canada knew about the situation but is unable to offer any assistance due to their deemed nationality declaration of using HKSAR passport at entry.
I believe PRC would have jumped in a lot sooner with firm demand of a safe and speedy resolution if it was a busload of PRC tourist.
Consular assistance is limited to legal assistance/defense when you have committed a criminal act.
There is a clause in all embassy/consulate office stating that even if you are carrying and using their passport properly and legally you might fall under certain citizenship law of the local nation. In the case of PRC it is deemed Chinese citizen by birth.
Interpretation of International citizenship laws: HK birth prior to July 1,1997 are not Chinese citizens unless one applies for a HKSAR passport post 1997 voluntarily. (My organization paid for this legal advice in 1997 covering myself and four others)