John Thomas, chief of the Department of Public Safety of the University of Southern California (USC), addresses the launch event for a safety handbook issued by Consulate General of China in Los Angeles, the United States, Sept. 17, 2018. The Consulate General of China in Los Angeles issued a handbook at the University of Southern California (USC) Monday to enhance the safety awareness of overseas Chinese. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Consulate General of China in Los Angeles issued a handbook at the University of Southern California (USC) Monday to enhance the safety awareness of overseas Chinese.

China's Deputy Consul General in Los Angeles Sun Lushan said that China and Los Angeles have enjoyed a very close relationship in recent years, particularly related to people-to-people exchanges, and it is the Consulate's priority to protect Chinese individuals.

The handbook provides information on gun control and traffic rules, as well as on preventing sexual assault.

"Against potential risks for Chinese citizens overseas, the Consulate takes all necessary measures to protect their safety," said Sun.

According to Sun, over 1 million Chinese tourists visited Los Angeles in 2017. More than 600 Chinese companies have offices in Southern California and 50,000 Chinese students study in colleges and universities in the area.

"It's an ongoing effort to continue to provide information to Chinese students in USC regarding safety, taking precautionary measures to keep themselves safe while they are here," said John Thomas, chief of the Department of Public Safety of USC.

More than 200 Chinese students and representatives from USC attended the event.