China evacuates over 10,000 nationals from Middle East

China has successfully coordinated the return of more than 10,000 of its nationals from the Middle East over recent days amid escalating tensions in the region, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

The operation, a joint effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Civil Aviation Administration of China, involved a significant surge in flights to evacuate Chinese citizens stranded in the region, Guo said at a news conference.

Chinese diplomatic missions abroad played a crucial role in facilitating the evacuation by engaging with host country authorities to ensure smooth flight operations, issuing timely security advisories and flight schedules, and providing on-ground assistance and support to affected travelers, he added.

Through these concerted efforts, over 10,000 Chinese nationals have been evacuated safely and in an orderly manner from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia, Guo said.

The evacuation comes as hostilities persist between the United States, Israel and Iran, disrupting regional stability and air travel. Several airports in the affected areas remain partially or fully non-operational, Guo noted.

The Foreign Ministry advises Chinese citizens to temporarily avoid traveling to countries and regions around Iran that are affected by the ongoing conflict, Guo said, adding that Chinese embassies and consulates in these areas stand ready to provide all necessary assistance to Chinese nationals in need.