BEIJING -- A mainland spokesman said China always cares about the safety of Chinese citizens overseas, noting that China's diplomatic missions helped 93 Taiwan compatriots stranded in the Middle East return home via mainland flights.

The Chinese Consulate General in Istanbul assisted Taiwan compatriots stranded in the Middle East in transferring to mainland flights and returning to Taiwan via Shanghai, Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a regular press briefing on Wednesday.

In addition, the Chinese Embassy in Israel and the Chinese Consulate General in Dubai helped many Taiwan compatriots return to Taiwan or evacuate to safer areas after they sought assistance through channels such as the China Consular Affairs app and hotlines.

The Taiwan compatriots who received assistance said they felt reassured knowing the motherland was always there for them, and personally experienced that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family, according to Chen.

In response to repeated attacks and smears by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities against the mainland's care and protection of Taiwan compatriots, Chen condemned the actions as "shameful."