What does the Chinese Consulate do?

The Chinese Consulate handles minor diplomatic issues related to the Chinese government's relationships abroad. A consulate's duties usually include the issuing of visas, maintaining trade relationships, monitoring security situations in the host country and providing a support system for Chinese immigrants and tourists in foreign countries.

Chinese consulates are often located in large cities that cater to a lot of tourists, but they are generally not found in capital cities. Capital cities are general home to embassies, which serve many of the same functions as consulates, in addition to performing other duties that help foster good relations between the two countries.